Royal Canadian Air Force Confirms 2026 Farewell Season for Historic Snowbirds CT-114 Jets

MOOSE JAW, SK — 15 Wing Moose Jaw and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) issued a formal operational update Thursday afternoon regarding the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (the Snowbirds), confirming that the team is executing its final national demonstration flight season with the iconic CT-114 Tutor jet aircraft.

Fleet Retirement and Pilot Training Transition

First entering military service in 1963, the twin-seat CT-114 Tutor has flown as Canada’s premier military aerobatic platform for over five decades. Department of National Defence officials confirmed that the airframe will be retired from aerial demonstration at the conclusion of the 2026 airshow season. The team will enter a temporary operational hiatus to undergo comprehensive aircrew conversion and maintenance training on modern CT-157 Siskin II jet trainers, which are scheduled to achieve full operational capability in the early 2030s.

Commanding officers emphasized that the Tutor fleet has served with extraordinary distinction, inspiring generations of Canadian aviators.

National Postcard Campaign and Public Heritage

A national commemorative campaign organized by aviation heritage organizations and military families was launched Thursday, inviting Canadians to submit postcards and digital tributes celebrating the squadron’s historic service across Canadian skies.

Military historians highlighted the Snowbirds’ vital role as ambassadors of military precision and national aerospace excellence.

Final Demonstration Flight Dates

The Snowbirds’ final official CT-114 flight performance will take place during the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto over the Labour Day weekend.