Canadian Forces Snowbirds to retire CT-114 Tutor jets

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are preparing to retire their iconic CT-114 Tutor jets following the 2026 season. The squadron, based in Moose Jaw, will be grounded until new aircraft are introduced, which is expected in the early 2030s. The federal government has identified the CT-157 Siskin II as the future replacement aircraft, though a specific timeline for the transition has not been established.

This year marks the Snowbirds’ 55th appearance at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, where the Canadian International Air Show will feature the classic aircraft for the final time this season. The team’s penultimate performance with the Tutor jets is scheduled for the 113th Grey Cup in Calgary on November 15, 2026.

Major-General Denis O’Reilly, deputy commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, noted that the retirement honors the generations of personnel who made the team a symbol of Canadian excellence. The Snowbirds have performed at the Grey Cup previously during the 101st, 106th, and 109th editions.