Key general aviation associations including the Experimental Aircraft Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association confirmed their support for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift during this year’s EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The initiative, coordinated by Textron Aviation, will see Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators volunteer aircraft, fuel and time to transport athletes and coaches to and from the Special Olympics USA Games next June in the Twin Cities.

Flights are due to take place on 19 and 27 June 2026, with participating aircraft—referred to as Doves—expected to land or depart from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field every three minutes over a 10-hour period. The event has previously carried more than 10,000 athletes and coaches since its inception in 1987.

Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper says: “The support of EAA, GAMA and our customers across the general aviation community is a powerful testament to the spirit of aviation and its ability to change lives.”

“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,” adds EAA chairman and CEO, Jack J. Pelton.