One Of The Largest Peacetime Airlifts Ever

Next week, one of the largest peacetime airlifts in history will transport 1,800 athletes to participate in the Special Olympics US National Games in Ames, IA from July 2-7. It's the Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift... and on  July 1st and the 8th, 237 Citation business jets will land or take off every 60 to 90 seconds for 12 hours at the Des Moines International Airport.

"The wonderful experience the athletes have riding on a business jet is incalculable," said Priscilla Dowse, executive director of the Special Olympics Wyoming delegation. "In addition, our expenses for the 2006 National Games have been cut in half through the generosity of Citation owners. By providing this service, more athletes could participate in the national games, allowing us to expand our state program."

More than a year and a half of planning has been done by hundreds of individuals at Cessna, the Federal Aviation Administration, Des Moines International Airport officials, Des Moines fixed-base operators, volunteers from the Des Moines business community, and the Special Olympics organization, said Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Pelton.

"Without each of these groups donating time and resources, we would never be able to stage this type of event," Pelton said. "All this work leads up to that moment when a Citation door opens and an athlete steps out smiling from ear to ear. They are excited, not only because they are about to compete in events they've been practicing for months, but also for many athletes this will be their first airplane ride - and having that first ride on a Citation business jet is an exhilarating experience."

Airplanes will depart from 28 states and 39 departure points across the nation, arriving in Des Moines at set intervals starting at 7 am and ending at 6:45 pm. This will make Des Moines International Airport one of the busiest airports in the country that day.

As Aero-News reported during last year's NBAA Conference in Orlando, a very well-known Citation pilot, Arnold Palmer (we hear he plays a little golf, too -- Ed.) made an appeal for Citation owners to donate their time and their planes to the cause.

While the number of Citations participating in this year's airlift falls short of Cessna's announced goal of 400 planes... you have to admit, 237 is still a pretty impressive number.

"None of this would be possible without the philanthropic spirit of the 237 Citation owners and operators who donated their airplanes, pilots and fuel to transport athletes and coaches to the National Games," Pelton said. "Because of this generous contribution, the athletes arrive rested and ready to participate in their events. From all of us involved with the Airlift, we wish these athletes the best of luck in their competition. We are proud to play a part in the first Special Olympics US National Games in Ames."

FMI: www.citationairlift.org