05/21/2026
Like many across Canada’s aviation community, we were saddened to hear that the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’ iconic CT-114 Tutor aircraft will retire following the 2026 season — though we also understand the realities of maintaining a fleet that dates back to the 1960s.
The team is expected to transition to the new CT-157 Siskin II, ushering in a new era for the Royal Canadian Air Force aerobatic team. This is not the first time Canada’s demonstration team has evolved: before the Snowbirds were the Golden Hawks, whose famous Canadair Sabres were retired in 1964 due to operating costs. From that change, the Snowbirds were born in 1971. History may once again be repeating itself.
If you have ever wanted to see the Snowbirds fly their classic Tutors, now is the time to get out to an airshow and experience this uniquely Canadian tradition while you still can. As for what comes next in the 2030s — we can’t wait to see Canada’s next chapter written across the sky.
In the meantime please enjoy some photos from archives; the Golden Hawks, the SnowBirds in flight, our CT-114 Tutor in Snowbird Livery being installed and where it sits proudly on display now at the new home of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
