Snowbirds grounded until early 2030s while new planes built
The Royal Canadian Air Force will cover air shows as the Snowbirds wait for CT-157 Siskin II jets that will restore their nine-plane formation.
- On Tuesday, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be grounded following the 2026 season until the early 2030s to replace aging CT-114 Tutor jets.
- Former defence minister Bill Blair ordered a review two years ago, concluding the six-decade-old Tutor jets were costly to maintain and required replacement after decades of service.
- Marking the end of 55 years of air demonstration, the Department of National Defence selected the Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II to replace the current CT-114 aircraft.
- The Royal Canadian Air Force will fill in for the Snowbirds with air shows and personnel across Canada, while the team begins its final season May 24 in Montreal.
- Federal Opposition Conservative Fraser Tolmie previously urged the government to "save our Snowbirds," while officials stated the acquisition ensures Canada continues its "strong tradition of air demonstration capability" with a modern fleet.
27 Articles
27 Articles
2026 marks final season for current Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft - Creston Valley Advance
This year will be the final season for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ current aircraft, with the federal government promising to purchase new planes for a future team. National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty announced in Moose Jaw on Tuesday (May 19) that the federal government will be purchasing the CT-157 Siskin II, the Pilatus PC21, for the future Snowbirds team. McGuinty said the new aircraft will serve as both the trainer and the air de…
2026 marks final season for current Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft - Northern Sentinel
This year will be the final season for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ current aircraft, with the federal government promising to purchase new planes for a future team. National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty announced in Moose Jaw on Tuesday (May 19) that the federal government will be purchasing the CT-157 Siskin II, the Pilatus PC21, for the future Snowbirds team. McGuinty said the new aircraft will serve as both the trainer and the air de…
The federal government announced on Tuesday that it would build new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft for its iconic Snowbirds, which are in their final lap this year.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds will be grounded after the 2026 season, pending the delivery of new aircraft.
Canada’s Snowbirds jets grounded until 2030s as replacement aircraft identified
The Snowbirds are entering a final chapter. After more than five decades in the skies, the federal government has confirmed to CTV News that the Canadian Forces’ iconic aerobatic team will fly its last season with the aircraft that made it famous.
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