A familiar spring fixture in the Comox Valley will be grounded for several years.
The federal government announced Tuesday that the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will pause their touring schedule after this year while new aircraft are introduced, with a return expected in the early 2030s.
Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty said members of 431 Squadron will continue to carry forward their expertise, teamwork and passion to inspire Canadians for generations to come.
“As the Royal Canadian Air Force advances its air and space modernization efforts, we remain firmly committed to a future air demonstration capability that continues this proud legacy.”
The Canadair CT-114 Tutor has served for 55 years in the air demonstration role and will be replaced by the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21).
The new aircraft will serve as both a training and air demonstration platform to maintain Canada’s air display capability with a modern fleet and rebuild the team’s nine-plane formation.
During the transition period, the Royal Canadian Air Force said it will continue to support air shows, events and engagements across the country with aircraft and personnel.
