Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. has announced its support for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.
This nationwide mission, organised by Textron Aviation, will give athletes a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience as they travel on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, removing financial and logistical barriers so they can focus on competition and celebration.
To make it happen, Textron GSE is providing 16 baggage and cargo tractors to move aircraft, luggage and materials around St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) in Minnesota, as athletes and their families travel to the Twin Cities to compete in this year’s competition.
The company will provide 14 TUG M1A tractors and two TUG MT tractors to support the airlift.
The Special Olympics Airlift – the world’s largest peacetime airlift – demonstrates the power of industry collaboration, uniting organisations, companies and volunteers around a shared mission that extends beyond business: transporting Special Olympics athletes and coaches to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Now in its ninth iteration, the Special Olympics Airlift will operate Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 27. During the airlift, aircraft will land or depart every three minutes to ensure athletes nationwide can participate in the USA Games, eliminating travel barriers and reflecting aviation’s power to unite communities.
Tony LaCorte, Senior Director, Operations for Textron GSE, said: “Textron GSE is honoured to partner with Textron Aviation to help hundreds of deserving athletes travel to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, so that they can enjoy the hard-won opportunity to show their talents and shine in competition,”.
