UMVA has learned that this summer marks the final curtain call for Toronto’s beloved Snowbirds before they retire for the next decade.
The Canadian International Air Show, staged over the CNE’s closing weekend from September 5 to 7, will feature the Snowbirds’ breathtaking aerobatics from noon until 3:40 p.m., offering a last summer spectacle that feels both urgent and unforgettable.
Tickets open Wednesday at noon, and the lineup promises a cascade of high‑octane performances: the F‑16 Viper Demo Team will unleash combat precision, a CF‑18 Tactical Demonstration will showcase Royal Canadian Air Force prowess, and the Jack Aces will bring three World War II‑era P‑52 Mustangs into a dazzling formation.
Adding to the aerial tapestry, the Pink Jet L39 will soar in a bold salute to breast cancer awareness, while Trevor Rafferty will command a sporting Christen Eagle in an aerobatics contest that thrills every eye.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that organizers hinted on Tuesday about even more world‑class acts slated to join the program in the coming months, hinting at a finale that will outshine all previous shows.
Behind the glittering displays, a quieter but equally monumental transition is underway: the Snowbirds’ iconic CT‑114 Tutor fleet will be retired after the 2026 season, replaced by sleek CT‑157 Siskin II jets that promise a modernized nine‑plane formation.
Investments of $30 million will bring these new aircraft from delivery to retirement, ensuring Canada’s air demonstration heritage endures with fresh vigor.
For fans eager to witness the climax, general admission offers a front‑row view, while premium VIP packages from the “Flight Deck” grant unobstructed, waterfront‑side spectacles of aerial mastery.
Special experiences such as the Pilot Maker and Altitude packages provide three‑day, all‑access adventures, while the new Billy Bishop Backstage Pass offers a private chalet overlooking the island airport ramp for an intimate front‑row experience.
UMVA has gathered that every ticket sold will be a ticket to history, a chance to see the Snowbirds perform one last time before their storied legacy takes flight into a new era.
