Republic Airways 10th Annual Plane Pull to Take Off at Indianapolis International Airport

Back for its 10^th annual event on Saturday, April 23, the Republic Airways Plane Pull has raised $3 million for A Kid Again, Indiana Wish, Riley Children’s Foundation and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airways today announced its 10th Annual Plane Pull event will take place on Saturday, April 23, at Republic Airways Indianapolis Maintenance Center Hangar located on Indianapolis International Airport property at 3998 S. Hoffman Road. The sky is the limit for this family-friendly event that has raised nearly $3 million since its inception, and this year aims to be the largest, most successful fundraiser yet. The event benefits the following four area children’s organizations: A Kid Again, Indiana Wish, Riley Children’s Foundation and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent.

The Plane Pull began in memory of Tyler Frenzel, a Carmel, Indiana, boy who suffered from leukemia and passed away in 2004. Over the years, funds raised through the Plane Pull have contributed to countless wishes and care for children fighting life-threatening illnesses through the four beneficiaries.

“After taking a hiatus the past two years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to host this incredible event once again in support of children in our community,” said Amy Arnell, Director of Corporate and Community Responsibility for Republic Airways. "While the event itself is fun for people of all ages, and people playing tug-of-war with an airline jet is certainly a sight to see, it’s even more rewarding to see the individuals who are positively impacted by this unique fundraiser.”

The public is invited to the free, fun event to participate or watch teams of ten race against the clock to pull a 24-ton aircraft across 15 feet. In addition to the Pull, the event will feature a Kid’s Pull where children will pull a LIFT Academy training aircraft to kick off the event, a Kids Zone with activities for youth of all ages, food and beverage vendors, and a fleet of aircraft and airport vehicles to see and tour including the LIFT Academy LIFT Lab, which features a virtual reality flight simulator to take for a test flight.

The event, open to the public, begins at 9 a.m. with team check-in, and the schedule is as follows (all times are estimates and subject to change):

9:00 a.m. - Check-in for all teams; Kids Zone, vendors and entertainment open for all
9:30 a.m. - National Anthem
9:35 a.m. - Welcome & introductions
9:40 a.m. - Top corporate sponsor presentation
9:45 a.m. - Kids Plane Pull with LIFT Academy training aircraft
9:50 a.m. - Ceremonial first Pull (Charity & Hospital Children)
9:55 a.m. - Plane Pull Round I
11:30 a.m. - Awards - Most Spirited Team
11:35 a.m. - Plane Pull Round II (Top 5 Teams)
11:45 a.m. - Awards - 1st & 2nd Place Pull Teams

Teams are required to fundraise or donate a minimum of $2,000 no later than April 1, to participate in the Plane Pull. All teams must include three women as part of their 10-person roster to be considered for the team prizes. Groups of friends, work organizations, churches and more are encouraged to team up and pull for the kids! Event information, team registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found at RepublicPlanePull.com.

Republic also will host its annual Plane Pull Gala at Prime 47 Carmel on Friday, April 22. The exclusive evening event will include silent and live auctions as another opportunity to raise money for the beneficiaries. Details on tables, donations and corporate sponsorship opportunities for the gala are also available at www.RepublicPlanePull.com

Please direct media inquiries to Republic Airways Corporate Communications at [e-mail].