Jackie Wiles will be among the American athletes whose aviation careers will be supported by a new partnership with Textron Aviation ©Getty Images

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has entered a general aviation aircraft and aviation products sponsorship deal with Textron Aviation Inc. which will see four of its athletes receive support in their careers.

Alpine skiers Jackie Wiles and Luke Winters, cross-country skier Logan Hanneman and Justin Schoenefeld, an aerial athlete part of the American freestyle team, will all receive resources from Textron Aviation to help them advance and achieve further certification.

All hold private pilot certificates except Wiles, who has a student pilot certificate.

The quartet will also become ambassadors for Textron Aviation.

Moreover, Textron Aviation will provide transport for athletes as part of the agreement, and support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, including the New York Gold Medal Gala which serves as the national governing body's largest annual fundraiser.

The company's senior vice-president of global sales and flight operations Lannie O’Bannion will join the ambassador programme of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation.

The partnership was revealed at this year's National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas, with Textron Aviation unveiling a new U.S. Ski & Snowboard-inspired interior and exterior design.

Justin Schoenefeld holds a private pilot certificate, and will receive resources from Textron Aviation to advance his career further ©Getty Images
Justin Schoenefeld holds a private pilot certificate, and will receive resources from Textron Aviation to advance his career further ©Getty Images

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these aircraft will support the governing body's programmes.

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard chief revenue officer believes Textron Aviation's support will prove invaluable to the organisation.

"We are so excited to welcome Textron Aviation as a sponsor," he said.

"Their support will touch every aspect of our organisation, from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation to supporting our athletics, to professional aviation career advancement for a number of our athletes."

Christi Tannahill, Textron Aviation's senior vice-president for customer experience, added: "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.

"We’re proud to offer a visibly stunning reminder of our sponsorship through a special U.S. Ski & Snowboard design [that] is worthy of a medal."

Sophie Goldschmidt today officially took over as U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and chief executive, having been announced as Tiger Shaw's replacement last month.

Shaw is to provide support to Goldschmidt during a transition period before joining the organisation's Foundation Board as a trustee focusing on athlete fundraising.