Safran supports Special Olympics Airlift

Inspired by the Olympic Games, the Special Olympics are addressed to people with disabilities aged 8 to 80, and emphasize the importance of individual participation rather than sporting achievement. The event is organized by Special Olympics, an association dedicated to personal development through sports for people with mental disabilities. The Special Olympics Winter Games are held every four years, alternating with the Special Olympics Summer Games.

The Special Olympics Airlift is an event organized and coordinated by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company, where Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators —with assistance from industry champions and employee volunteers— donate the use of their aircraft, fuel and pilots to transport Special Olympics athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics USA Games. For the 2022 edition of the Airlift coordinated by Textron Aviation, Safran Electrical & Power sponsored the event with a $10,000 participation.

Each participating aircraft received a special Dove call sign that afforded priority treatment in the National Airspace System so the massive Airlift stayed on schedule on both transport days – Saturday, June 4, delivering the athletes to Orlando where they competed in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort and Sunday, June 12, returning the athletes to their home bases.

“We are truly honored to be a part of this initiative led by Textron Aviation, which is one of Safran’s key customers,” said Steve Mears, Director of Sales and Marketing for Interconnection Systems Americas division, Safran Electrical & Power. “The Special Olympics Airlift is fully aligned with Safran’s commitment to giving back. As a leading aerospace company, we also are proud to have helped make air travel possible for these athletes and their coaches.”

“Travel is the largest expense for Special Olympics programs, and we were able to help these deserving athletes compete at the highest level thanks to our generous customers who donate the use of their aircraft, pilots and fuel,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “Not only does the Airlift help offset costs, flying on a business aircraft allowed the athletes—many of whom have never flown—to travel to the games hassle-free with their gear and teammates. It was a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.”

A Cessna Citation, Beechcraft King Air, Beechcraft Premier, Beechjet or Hawker aircraft landed at Orlando Executive Airport every two to three minutes and transported more than 800 athletes and coaches from more than 30 departure locations across the United States.

 

Find more information about the Special Olympics Airlift:

txtav.com/airlift