News and Insights

FINN Partners supports Textron Aviation as Agency of Record for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

September 3, 2026

Global communications firm selected to support tier 1 media relations and elevate awareness for the world’s largest peacetime airlift and key corporate programs

FINN Partners was recently selected by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, as its public relations agency of record for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift and other key company initiatives. FINN Partners will provide media relations support and strategic counsel to help increase awareness of how general aviation profoundly impacts everyday life.

Elevating General Aviation’s Human Impact

The Special Olympics Airlift stands as the world’s largest peacetime airlift, operating as a massive philanthropic general aviation effort. In June 2026, the initiative brought together the Cessna and Beechcraft business aviation communities to transport more than 800 athletes and coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics Games free of cost. Volunteer pilots and aircraft owners donated their time, fuel and airplanes to eliminate travel costs and logistical hurdles for the athletes. FINN Partners helped amplify stories of volunteerism, logistical precision and athletic determination through targeted tier 1 media relations efforts that highlighted the human impact of the event.

“We built our aviation practice on the principle that behind every flight there is a human story that connects us all,” said Karli Barokas, Managing Partner, FINN Partners. “Textron Aviation’s commitment to community offers an incredible canvas for meaningful storytelling. Our team was proud to amplify the voices of the athletes, pilots, aircraft owners and employees who make this monumental Airlift possible.”

The Special Olympics Airlift campaign generated significant national media momentum, securing nearly 120 stories and nearly 2 billion media impressions in June alone. High-profile features from USA TODAY and The Associated Press brought the mission to a broad national audience, highlighting the athletes, volunteer pilots and aviation community behind the Airlift while reinforcing Textron Aviation’s leadership in bringing the effort to life.