Over the weekend, Million Air Dallas at Addison Airport (ADS) in Addison, Texas supported the 2022 Special Olympics Airlift by hosting a departure point for the event on Saturday, June 4 and will be supporting return flights on Sunday, June 12.
The Airlift is a signature community event organized and coordinated by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, with assistance from Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators, industry champions and employee volunteers. Each participating aircraft receives a special Dove call sign that will afford priority treatment in the National Airspace System so the massive Airlift stays on schedule on both transport days. On Saturday, June 4, Million Air Dallas delivered the athletes to Orlando where they will compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. On Sunday, June 12, they will assist in returning the athletes to their home bases.
The outbound flights to this year’s Games in Orlando, Florida, took place on Saturday, June 4 from locations across the United States. Million Air and Addison Airport provided ground handling and flight support services for 11 flights carrying 68 passengers. The return flights are scheduled for Sunday, June 12 where once again Million Air Dallas will assist Textron Aviation and the athletes.
This is the eighth Special Olympics Airlift by Textron Aviation, and this is the first time Addison Airport has hosted the event. Since the first Airlift in 1987, nearly 10,000 athletes and coaches from across the United States have been transported to Special Olympics World Games and USA Games.
“Travel is the largest expense for Special Olympics programs, and we are 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 allows the athletes —many of whom have never flown — to travel to the games hassle-free with their gear and teammates. It’s a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.”
To assist with these travel expenses, Million Air has funded the fuel for the 11 jets that departed ADS for Orlando. This generous contribution is valued at $40-60,000.
“Million Air Dallas is committed to doing the right thing for our community. Helping ensure that these athletes receive the kind of experience they should as they travel to the 2022 Special Olympics is a contribution of which we’re proud,” said Jeff Zimmerman, Vice President of FBO Services for Million Air.
