What will happen to the RCAF Canada Snowbirds after the 2026 season?

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been a symbol of precision, skill, and national pride for decades. Their thrilling air shows captivate audiences across Canada and beyond. But what happens after the 2026 season? Many fans wonder if the Snowbirds will continue their spectacular performances or if changes are on the horizon. This post explores the future of the Snowbirds, the retirement of their iconic CT-114 Tutor jets, the transition to new aircraft, and what this means for the team and their fans.

The End of an Era: The 2026 Season Marks the Final Flight for the Tutors

The 2026 season will be the last for the Snowbirds flying their legendary CT-114 Tutor jets. These aircraft have served the team faithfully for decades but are now reaching the end of their operational life. After the final show on October 11, 2026, the Tutors will be permanently retired.

This retirement means the Snowbirds will stop flying publicly. The team will remain based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, their long-time home, but they will not perform in air shows during the transition period. This pause in flying marks a significant moment in Canadian aviation history, as the Snowbirds take a break to prepare for a new chapter.

What Happens During the Hiatus?

Although the Snowbirds will not appear at air shows after 2026, the team and its personnel will stay active. Pilots, technicians, and support staff will continue working at Moose Jaw, focusing on training, modernization, and other Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) roles.

The RCAF will still participate in air shows using other aircraft, ensuring that Canadian aviation remains visible to the public. However, the Snowbirds' unique demonstration team will be on a hiatus that could last several years.

The New Aircraft: Transition to the CT-157 Siskin II

The Snowbirds are set to transition to a new aircraft, the CT-157 Siskin II, which is based on the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainer. This modern aircraft offers advanced technology and improved performance, making it suitable for both pilot training and future Snowbirds demonstrations.

Procurement and integration of the CT-157 Siskin II are still in progress, with negotiations ongoing. Once finalized, the new aircraft will replace the aging Tutors and provide a fresh platform for the Snowbirds to showcase their skills.

Timeline for the Snowbirds’ Return

The transition to the CT-157 Siskin II will take time. The Snowbirds are expected to resume performances in the early 2030s. Several steps must be completed before the team can take to the skies again:

• Delivery of the new aircraft

• Training of pilots and technicians on the CT-157 Siskin II

• Development of a new demonstration routine tailored to the new jets

  
  

This process means the Snowbirds will have a 6 to 8-year break from public air shows, giving them time to adapt and prepare for a new era.

Where Will the Snowbirds Be During This Time?

The Snowbirds will remain at 15 Wing Moose Jaw throughout the transition. They will not relocate or disband but will focus on internal activities such as training and aircraft integration. This continuity ensures the team stays connected and ready for their eventual return.

Personnel will also contribute to other RCAF missions and roles, maintaining their skills and supporting the broader Canadian Forces community.

Catch the Snowbirds One Last Time in 2026

For fans eager to see the Snowbirds perform before their hiatus, the 2026 season offers a final chance. The team will participate in several air shows across Canada, including events near Winnipeg. Attending one of these shows will allow you to witness the Tutors in action one last time.

If you want to plan your visit, consider checking the closest 2026 shows or the full 2026 schedule to find an event near you.

What This Means for Canadian Aviation Fans

The Snowbirds’ pause in flying may be disappointing to some, but it also signals a period of growth and renewal. The introduction of the CT-157 Siskin II will bring new capabilities and excitement to the team’s performances.

This transition reflects the natural evolution of military aviation and the commitment to maintaining a high standard of excellence. Fans can look forward to a revitalized Snowbirds team in the coming decade, ready to inspire new generations.

✈️ What the CT‑157 Siskin II is

The CT‑157 is the RCAF designation for the Pilatus PC‑21, a next‑generation advanced trainer used by air forces in Switzerland, Australia, Spain, and others. It is built to mimic jet‑like performance while remaining far cheaper and safer to operate.

Key identity points:

• Two‑seat advanced trainer for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program

• Turboprop engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A, 1600 shp

• Dual‑role aircraft: pilot training + future Snowbirds demonstrations

• Replaces: CT‑114 Tutor (Snowbirds) and older training fleets

🚀 Performance & capabilities

The CT‑157 is designed to give pilots near‑jet handling at a fraction of the cost.

• Max speed: ~727 km/h (PC‑21 spec)

• High‑G maneuvering suitable for aerobatics

• Glass cockpit with fighter‑style avionics

• Digital training environment simulating radar, weapons, and mission systems

• Fuel‑efficient and lower maintenance than jet trainers

These features make it ideal for both advanced pilot training and precision aerobatic routines.

🎨 What it means for the Snowbirds

The Siskin II will become the Snowbirds’ new aircraft after the 2026 Tutor retirement.

• It will restore the nine‑plane formation tradition with a modern fleet.

• The team will be grounded until the early 2030s while aircraft are delivered and pilots retrain.

• The new aircraft will give the Snowbirds a distinctly different look and sound—a turboprop instead of a jet.

This is the biggest transformation in the team’s history.

🛠️ Production & delivery timeline

• First RCAF Siskin II “got its wings” in late 2025 (wing‑mating milestone).

• First deliveries begin in 2026 for training use.

• Snowbirds‑specific aircraft will be added to the order once procurement negotiations finish.

• Operational Snowbirds return: early 2030s.

🧭 Why Canada chose it

The PC‑21/CT‑157 is already proven globally and fits Canada’s modernization goals:

• Reduces training costs

• Consolidates multiple training aircraft into one

• Provides a modern platform for a long‑term Snowbirds future

• Uses a Canadian‑built engine (PT6A)

It’s a practical, future‑proof choice.

What do you think of Canada's choice for The Canadian Snowbirds?