Volunteer pilots, crews and ground teams are coordinating departures as hundreds of athletes and coaches travel home following the Special Olympics USA Games.
The 2026 Special Olympics Airlift has entered its return phase, with Dove 1, a Citation Longitude donated by Omani and Jeanie Carson of Omaha, Nebraska, departing St Paul Downtown Airport (STP) in Minnesota to lead delegations home following the Special Olympics USA Games.
The departure day Dove 1 distinction is newly established for 2026, separate from the arrival day role, and recognises the Carsons' leadership in supporting athlete travel during the return home. Omani Carson is founder and chairman of Carson Group.
Led by Cessna and Beechcraft and organised by Textron Aviation, the airlift is one of the world's largest peacetime aviation efforts. More than 100 volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators have donated their aircraft, crew, fuel and time to transport athletes and coaches to and from the Games. Since 1987, the event has carried more than 10,000 athletes and coaches in total.
“We are honoured to help bring these remarkable athletes home,” says Omani Carson. “Being part of their journey home is a privilege and we hope our involvement encourages others to join this incredible mission in the future.”
“Departure day is always meaningful," says Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. "It reflects the achievements of the athletes and the collective effort of an aviation community committed to supporting them from takeoff to homecoming.”
Now in its ninth year, the airlift provides athletes with intellectual disabilities a dignified and celebratory travel experience to and from the Games. Additional Dove aircraft will depart STP throughout the day, returning athletes to their friends, families and communities and bringing the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift to a close.
