The CT-114 Tutor has been flying with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds since 1971. After 55 years of service, the aircraft will fly its final season in 2026.

On May 19, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty announced that the government will procure the CT-157 Siskin II, the Canadian designation for the Pilatus PC-21, as the Snowbirds' next aircraft. The announcement was made at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, alongside Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the RCAF.

What's coming

The CT-157 Siskin II will do double duty as both a trainer and an air demonstration aircraft, the same role the Tutor has served since the Snowbirds' first season. The team will continue to be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. DND says the new capability is expected to be operational in the early 2030s, with the team ultimately rebuilding to the Snowbirds' signature nine-plane formation.

The gap between the Tutor's retirement and the Siskin II's arrival means the Snowbirds will be off the airshow circuit for several years. During that period, the RCAF says it will continue to support air shows, events, and engagements across Canada through other aircraft and personnel.

The aircraft

The CT-157 Siskin II is the Canadian designation for the Pilatus PC-21, a turboprop trainer. The aircraft is already part of Canada's defence procurement pipeline. SkyAlyne, a joint venture of CAE and KF Aerospace, is contracted to deliver 19 CT-157s to the RCAF under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, with the first aircraft completing factory acceptance in Switzerland on May 11 and the first four aircraft expected to arrive in Canada by late 2026. One of FAcT's three operational bases is 15 Wing Moose Jaw. The Snowbirds announcement adds an air demonstration role to an aircraft the RCAF was already acquiring.