U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announces Multi-year Sponsorship With Textron Aviation
U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced a multi-year sponsorship with Textron Aviation Inc., the world’s leading general aviation company, as an official General Aviation Aircraft and Aviation Products Sponsor.
With the announcement during the 2021 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, Textron Aviation also revealed a special way to commemorate the sponsorship and an opportunity for customers to engage in the support of these elite winter athletes. The company unveiled a special-edition U.S. Ski & Snowboard interior and exterior design available for new Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. A portion of the proceeds from every U.S. Ski & Snowboard-inspired aircraft sold will go directly to the organization to support athletic programs.
For more than 90 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on their legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with a trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.
“We are so excited to welcome Textron Aviation as a sponsor,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer Michael O’Conor. “Their support will touch every aspect of our organization, from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation to supporting our athletics, to professional aviation career advancement for a number of our athletes.”
This sponsorship connects two organizations, both known for their passion and leadership within their respective fields. Among the sponsorship package elements are providing transportation for athletes during training and competition and supporting the mission of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and its foundation through multiple events and programs.
In addition, Textron Aviation’s sponsorship includes supporting the aviation careers of four U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes as Textron Aviation Ambassadors, including U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Jackie Wiles and Luke Winters; U.S. Cross Country Team athlete Logan Hanneman; and U.S. Freestyle Team aerials athlete Justin Schoenefeld. Winters, Schoenefeld, and Hanneman currently hold Private Pilot certificates, and Wiles currently holds a Student Pilot Certificate. Textron Aviation will provide resources for all four and others to achieve additional pilot certificates and ratings as they each further their aviation careers.
“We are thrilled to support athletes of all ages across the country, many of whom have already discovered the benefits of private aviation in reaching mountainous training destinations,” said Christi Tannahill, the company’s senior vice president, customer experience. “We’re proud to offer a visibly stunning reminder of our sponsorship through a special U.S. Ski & Snowboard design is worthy of a medal.”
Textron Aviation will also sponsor the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, including the New York Gold Medal Gala, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. In addition, Textron Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations, Lannie O’Bannion, will join the Foundation’s Ambassador Program. O’Bannion will offer his professional and technical experience to the organization while engaging with the organization’s leadership, athletes, and board of directors.
