NBAA Endorses, Manning Returns to Special Olympics Airlift

As it issues a call for participation, Textron Aviation is putting more pieces into place for its 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, receiving support and an endorsement from NBAA, as well as naming Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning as the event’s honorary chair.

To be held on June 19 and June 27 in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, the 2026 airlift will be the ninth for Textron Aviation. Hundreds of Cessna, Hawker, and Beechcraft owners and operators donate their time and aircraft to fly athletes into the Special Olympics and then return them home after the games.

During the airlift, the aircraft—dubbed “doves”—are anticipated to touch down or depart from St. Paul Downtown Airport/Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period. The culmination is the world’s largest peacetime airlift, Textron Aviation said.

“It’s emotional to be there,” said Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper. “It’s a powerful event that aligns with the core values of our company and our employees, and it really shows what this industry can do.”

Since the airlift was first held in 1987, Cessna, Hawker, and Beechcraft owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to both Special Olympics World Games and U.S. Games. Textron Aviation is appealing to its aircraft owners and operators to volunteer their aircraft, crew, fuel, and time for the June 2026 airlift. Draper said the company is hoping to draw about 150 aircraft to participate—up from the last airlift fleet of 125 to 130 aircraft—and added that the company’s employees are eager to volunteer.

“We couldn’t do this alone. The support of the National Business Aviation Association, our customers, and the entire aviation industry is a powerful testament to what we can achieve together,” Draper said. “The Special Olympics Airlift gives these athletes the opportunity to shine, and NBAA’s support helps amplify that mission.”

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen noted that he missed the first airlift, “but I have not missed one since, and I never will.” He praised Textron Aviation’s industry leadership on multiple fronts, including with the Special Olympics. “They put out a call and their customers respond…The net result of that is changing the lives for some very special people.”

He described the “unbridled enthusiasm and excitement” of the athletes, many of whom have never before stepped on an aircraft.

“The Special Olympics Airlift showcases the extraordinary generosity and unity within the business aviation community,” Bolen said. “By coming together to support these remarkable athletes, the aviation community delivers unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. NBAA is honored to stand behind this powerful initiative that reflects the very best of our industry.”

Manning, meanwhile, is returning to the role of honorary chair. “I’m honored to once again serve as the honorary chair for the Special Olympics Airlift,” Manning said. “This event is about more than just transportation—it’s about lifting spirits and celebrating the incredible determination of these athletes. I’m proud to support this mission and encourage Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners across the country to join us in making a difference.”

Draper noted that Manning participated three years ago and stressed that he “wasn’t just a figurehead. He was out there greeting athletes for hours in the rain, and I think it touched his heart…he had such excitement.”

He further discussed the athletes’ reactions to seeing Manning upon landing. One asked if Manning knew who he was. Another said their brother would not believe he met Manning, and Manning responded that he would because they were going to take a selfie.

Draper also noted that one of the funniest moments came from an athlete from the New York delegation who pointed out: “That’s Eli’s brother,” referring to former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

“Peyton Manning’s return as honorary chair brings powerful momentum to the Special Olympics Airlift, helping amplify awareness and drive participation among aircraft owners nationwide,” Draper said. “His leadership helps elevate the mission and ensures more athletes experience the joy and dignity of arriving at the Games like true champions.”