CT-114 Tutor retired from the Snowbirds

The Government of Canada announced on 19 May 2026 that this year would be the last season for the CT-114 Tutor fleet of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Royal Canadian Air Force's aerobatic team. The jet is expected to retire at the end of the 2026 season, with a final performance set for the Grey Cup final on 15 November in Calgary.

The Tutor entered service with Canadian aviation in the early 1960s as a jet trainer, and the Snowbirds have flown it exclusively since 1971: it is the only jet the team has ever had. To replace it, the Department of National Defence will acquire the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21), with which the team will once again form its signature nine-aircraft formation.

The squadron is expected to stop performing temporarily from 2027 and return to air shows in the early 2030s. When announcing the handover, air force command encouraged Canadians to seize the last chances to see the aircraft, and its deputy commander, Major-General Denis O'Reilly, linked the farewell to the celebration of the Snowbirds' 55th anniversary.