Finn Partners appointed as PR agency for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

NEW YORK, Global communications firm FINN Partners has been appointed as the public relations agency of record for Textron Aviation Inc. for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift and other key initiatives. The partnership will support tier 1 media relations and help elevate awareness of Textron Aviation's contributions to general aviation and philanthropy.

The 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, a massive philanthropic effort, involved the Cessna and Beechcraft business aviation communities. More than 800 athletes and coaches were transported free of charge to the 2026 Special Olympics Games. Volunteer pilots and aircraft owners donated their time, fuel, and aircraft to ensure the athletes' travel was smooth and cost-free. FINN Partners played a crucial role in amplifying the stories of volunteerism, logistical precision, and the athletes' determination through targeted media relations.

"Behind every flight, there is a human story that connects us all," said Karli Barokas, Managing Partner at 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 media attention, with nearly 120 stories and nearly 2 billion media impressions in June 2026 alone. High-profile features from USA TODAY and The Associated Press highlighted the mission, the athletes, the volunteer pilots, and the aviation community. This coverage underscored Textron Aviation's leadership in bringing the Airlift to life.

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has a rich history of inspiring the journey of flight. With brands like Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker, and Pipistrel, the company offers a wide range of aircraft from business jets and turboprops to light and high-performance pistons, special mission aircraft, and military trainers. Textron Aviation's workforce has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide, and customers in over 170 countries rely on its performance, reliability, and versatility.

Founded in 2011, FINN Partners has grown from approximately $24 million in fees to nearly $200 million in fees over the past 15 years, making it one of the fastest-growing independent public relations agencies in the world. Recognized for innovation and collaborative partnership, the full-service marketing and communications company has a global presence with offices in 38 locations across six continents.