Textron Aviation organized a special airlift to transport athletes and their coaches to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. This marks the eighth time the company has organized the airlift, which has transported more than 10,000 athletes since it was first organized in 1987. The airlift comprised more than 120 Textron Aviation Turbine aircraft, the use of the aircraft, pilots, and fuel was donated by Textron Aviation owners and operators.
Beechcraft, Cessna Citation, and Hawker aircraft participated in the airlift. A plane landed and took off every three minutes for about eight hours at Orlando Executive Airport; more than 800 passengers were transported to this year’s games by the airlift; the games will conclude on June 12.
“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. 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.” said Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper.
