Canadian Demo Squad Complete the Annual Acceptance Show Evaluation

Canada’s 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Snowbirds, has officially been cleared to begin its 54th airshow season. They will travel throughout North America until October, conducting their Home Closer show to end the season.

“This milestone marks our official authorization to perform in airshows across North America for the 2025 season,” the Snowbirds stated in a social media post. “A big thank you to our chain of command, home team, our families, and everyone who helped get us to this point. We can’t wait to inspire Canadians from coast to coast and beyond.”

The go-ahead was given following a successful Acceptance Show on June 2 at the team’s home base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The performance was evaluated by Brigadier-General Ron Walker, Deputy Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, and Brigadier-General John Alexander, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division.

Training leading up to this point takes place over several months, with pilots and support crew mastering maneuvers and routines. Once the team is confident in their abilities, they typically deploy to CFB Comox, British Columbia, for advanced training leading up to the acceptance evaluation.

With approval now granted, the Snowbirds are scheduled to perform at more than 15 events across Canada and the United States between June and October 2025. In addition to aerobatic shows, the team will also participate in several flybys and non-aerobatic displays.

The Snowbirds' 2025 schedule begins with a flyby in Montreal on June 15. Notable appearances include shows in Abbotsford, Toronto, and London in Canada, as well as US dates in Latrobe, Duluth, McMinnville, Huntington Beach, and San Francisco. Canada Day flyovers are scheduled for Ottawa, and the team will return to Moose Jaw on July 12 and again in October for the season’s final performance.

The last show, known as the Home Closer, is a tradition that allows the Snowbirds to express appreciation to the support staff and families who contribute to the success of their airshow operations throughout the year.

FMI: www.canada.ca