It’s the end of an era in Canada as the federal government has announced that the Canadian Snowbirds aeronautic team will be grounded until its aging CT-114 Tutor fleet is replaced.
This summer will be the last opportunity for Canadians to view the Snowbirds fly in formation in the Tutors.
Defence Minister David McGuinty made the announcement at 15 Wing Moose Jaw yesterday, indicating that a new Snowbird fleet will be ready to go in the early 2030s.
Defence Minister David McGuinty in Moose Jaw (C-PAC)
McGuinty says the Snowbirds are an iconic and beloved part of the Canadian Airforce, having amazed Canadians since its foundation in 1971.
“After more than 6 decades of service as both a trainer and demonstration aircraft, 2026 will mark the final season of the CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet.”
The minister says the fleet will be replaced with new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, and will be based in Moose Jaw as he says, “where they belong.”
