ORLANDO, Fla. (June 4, 2022) – This morning, more than 120 Textron Aviation aircraft will depart from 28 states across the United States and land at Orlando Executive Airport with Special Olympics athletes and coaches aboard. Participating aircraft – referred to as “Doves” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while flying in the Airlift – have priority in the National Airspace System today, and will land and take off every three minutes for approximately eight hours in Orlando as they bring teams to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
This is the eighth time Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has convened the Special Olympics Airlift. Since the first airlift in 1987, more than 10,000 athletes and coaches from across the United States have been transported to Special Olympics World Games and USA Games.
Today is the culmination of more than a year of planning by hundreds of individuals at Textron Aviation, Special Olympics, the FAA, Orlando Executive Airport, Atlantic Aviation and many of the event’s vendors and sponsors. More than 120 Cessna Citation, Beechjet and Hawker business jets as well as Beechcraft King Air turboprop aircraft owners have donated the use of their aircraft, pilots and fuel to transport more than 800 passengers to the Games.
“This is an extraordinary experience for everyone involved and provides an impressive visual of the power of general aviation as well as the philanthropic side of the aviation industry,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The ultimate mission of the Special Olympics Airlift is to make sure all the athletes who are invited to participate at the national level are able to get to the Games. Travel is the biggest expense for Special Olympics programs, and for many athletes this is their first time leaving their home state. Through this once-in-a-lifetime private aviation experience, they are able to travel with their teammates and their gear, and they arrive rested and ready to compete.”
Doves will return to Orlando Executive Airport on Sunday, June 12 to ensure the teams return home after a fulfilling week of sporting competition. The USA Games offer youth and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize new strengths and abilities, skills and success through sports.
“Our athletes are at the core of everything we do; they are our inspiration,” said Joe Dzaluk, president and CEO, 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “Our goal is that they have the most amazing, life-changing experience at the 2022 USA Games. The Special Olympics Airlift program, coordinated by Textron Aviation, and the experience it delivers sets the stage for an incredible week. The support the Textron Aviation team is providing truly makes all the difference.”
Find out more about this monumental nationwide aviation event at txtav.com/airlift. Learn more about the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at 2022specialolympicsusagames.org.
