CALGARY
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are preparing to fly their iconic CT-114 Tutor aircraft for the final time this weekend, marking the end of an important chapter in the history of the country’s renowned aerobatic team.
The aircraft will perform a farewell display above Calgary’s McMahon Stadium on Sunday at approximately 5 p.m. as part of the celebrations surrounding the 113th Grey Cup. Following the performance, the historic jets will be permanently withdrawn from flying operations.
The farewell comes 55 years after the formation of the Snowbirds, whose spectacular aerial performances have become a familiar feature of Canadian national celebrations.
Aviation enthusiast Jesse Millington is among those eagerly anticipating the historic occasion. Travelling from Foothills County to Calgary, he said he would not miss the opportunity to witness the squadron’s final performance.
Millington explained that he had previously watched the Snowbirds perform in Abbotsford earlier this year but was uncertain whether he would get another opportunity to see the aircraft flying. He described the team as a constant presence throughout his life and an important part of Canadian identity.
The Canadian Armed Forces originally ordered the CT-114 Tutor aircraft in 1961 to serve as training planes. Over the decades, the jets became the signature aircraft of the Snowbirds and participated in numerous aerial demonstrations across North America.
Millington compared the squadron’s cultural significance to popular Canadian traditions such as ice hockey and Tim Hortons, highlighting how deeply the team is connected to the country’s national identity.
In May, the federal government announced that the Tutor aircraft would be retired following the conclusion of the 2026 flying season. Their eventual replacements will be Swiss-manufactured CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, although their arrival is not expected before the 2030s.
Millington expressed mixed feelings about the retirement, describing the farewell as both emotional and memorable. Nevertheless, he welcomed the opportunity for aviation enthusiasts in Calgary and viewers watching online from different parts of the world to witness the historic performance.
Snowbirds Crew Members Look Ahead
Members of the aerobatic squadron are also preparing for an emotional farewell.
Major Steve Sparks, who performs as Snowbird 6, acknowledged that the approaching retirement had already affected him during several flights this season.
He explained that knowing the aircraft were approaching the end of their operational service had made some of the recent performances particularly emotional.
The Sunday’s display will therefore represent more than another aerial performance, marking the final public appearance of the Snowbirds’ celebrated CT-114 Tutor jets after decades of service.
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