Industry organizations join Textron Aviation in inviting King Air operators to participate in the Special Olympics Airlift happening in June 2026.
During the industry’s Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, leading general aviation organizations – including EAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association – announced their collective support and endorsement of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift event.
Organized by Textron Aviation, the Special Olympics Airlift mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker pilots and aircraft to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. The event will transport hundreds of athletes and coaches across the country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
The industry is calling on owners and operators of King Air models, along with other Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker aircraft, to come together on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges.
“The Special Olympics Airlift is one of the most inspiring demonstrations of what aviation can do to uplift lives and unite communities,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s chairman and CEO. “EAA is proud to support this extraordinary mission, and we deeply appreciate the dedication of the pilots and volunteers who make it possible. It’s a shining example of aviation’s heart.”
Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, general aviation owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as doves are expected to touch down or take off from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period.
“The Special Olympics Airlift is an excellent example of how the general aviation community bands together to support special missions and give back. This noble effort provides Special Olympics athletes and coaches with the transportation necessary to create lasting memories of the games and inspiring achievements by the competitors,” said James Viola, president and CEO, GAMA.
Source: txtav.com
Who can volunteer?
Owners and operators of the following aircraft can participate in the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift by volunteering their aircraft, crew, fuel and time:
- Beechcraft King Air turboprops
- Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets
- Cessna Citation jets
- Hawker jets
See full requirements and how to register by visiting airlift.txtav.com.