Mishall RehmanAbove image: The 2024 Canadian Forces Snowbirds display team in front of one of the team’s CT-114 Tutor Aircraft.Photo courtesy of Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
After 40 shows that dazzled audiences in places across Canada and the United States, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds brought their 53rd show year to a close in mid-October.
The Snowbirds are the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) diplomatic wing. They demonstrate a high level of skill, professionalism, and teamwork as they connect the everyday Canadian with the military.
“I take great pride in the members of the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, both the home and display teams, for their outstanding effort throughout the 2024 show season. Their commitment enabled us to deliver safe and exhilarating air displays for audiences in Canada and the United States, especially as we celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial year. We remain dedicated to showcasing the skill, professionalism, and teamwork that embody the Canadian Armed Forces, and we eagerly anticipate the 2025 show season,” said LCol. Jean-Francois Dupont, Commanding Officer 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (Snowbirds).
After meeting so many milestones and performing for so many crowds, the Snowbirds team of 11 pilots, 17 technicians, one Public Affairs Officer, two Material Management Support Technicians, and three Mobile Support Equipment Operators will take a break before the 2025 season training begins.
Memorable Moments
During the course of the season, the team travelled more than 23,000 km over 150 days of the show season. According to the Department of National Defence, the team traveled across six provinces, one territory, and performed at four locations in the United States.
The season began in May at the Comox Armed Forces Day at 19 Wing, Comox, British Columbia, and the team concluded their public performances in October at the Amigo Airshow in El Paso, Texas.
According to the CAF, highlights of the Snowbirds season included participating in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Canada Day Mass Flypast, and other celebrations in recognition of the RCAF’s centennial.
Collaborate with other Countries
The season also gave the Snowbirds a chance to collaborate with demonstration teams from other countries such as the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori, the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows, the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.
“I take great pride in the members of the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, both the home and display teams, for their outstanding effort throughout the 2024 show season. Their commitment enabled us to deliver safe and exhilarating air displays for audiences in Canada and the United States, especially as we celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial year. We remain dedicated to showcasing the skill, professionalism, and teamwork that embody the Canadian Armed Forces, and we eagerly anticipate the 2025 show season,” said LCol. Jean-Francois Dupont, Commanding Officer 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (Snowbirds).
The team also spent their time in outreach activities at aviation schools and children’s hospitals.
The Home Closer
The Snowbirds’ season ended on Oct. 18 with their Home Closer show at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. According to the military, the Home Closer gave the team a chance to thank their family, friends, and other members of the 431 Squadron, which provides various support to the Snowbirds.
“It has been an honour to lead the Snowbirds during the 2024 show season as we celebrated the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of the display team, both pilots and support staff, for their commitment to excellence and for showcasing the best of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“I also want to express gratitude to our families for their unwavering support during our time away from home. We hope our displays and interactions with fans have inspired many to pursue their goals and dreams. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2025 for our 54 years of demonstrating aviation excellence!” Said Maj. Brent Handy, Snowbird 1, Team Lead.
The CF Snowbirds 54th show season schedule is expected to be announced sometime in the winter.
