Special Olympics Airlift

At NBAA-BACE, the NBAA formally endorsed the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation. This initiative relies on volunteer pilots and aircraft owners of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker planes to transport athletes to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Since 1987, the Airlift has aided over 10,000 athletes. The 2026 event aims to provide transportation for athletes, highlighting the generosity of the aviation community and requiring meticulous logistical planning and safety measures.