General aviation leaders and organizations are joining forces to support the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a national volunteer effort to transport athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Announced during EAA AirVenture 2025, the initiative is organized by Textron Aviation and endorsed by the Experimental Aircraft Association and GAMA.
Scheduled for June 19 and 27, 2026, the airlift will mobilize hundreds of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft owners to fly participants to and from the event, with arrivals and departures set for St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP). Participating aircraft, known as “Doves,” are expected to land or take off every three minutes during a 10-hour period. The release called on operators of Citations, King Airs, and other aircraft to sign up to help next year.
Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper called the effort “a powerful testament to the spirit of aviation and its ability to change lives,” while EAA chairman Jack Pelton described it as “a shining example of aviation’s heart.”
GAMA CEO James Viola added that the airlift “provides Special Olympics athletes and coaches with the transportation necessary to create lasting memories of the games and inspiring achievements by the competitors.”
More than 10,000 athletes and coaches have flown through past airlifts since 1987.