With Blue Angels grounded, Canadian Snowbirds take center stage at Fleet Week Air show

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week is feeling the effects of a federal government shutdown that has now stretched into its second week. The shutdown has led to what officials have described as a pause in U.S. Military participation in the event, meaning the Fleet Week Air Show will go ahead without its marquee attraction, the Blue Angels.

Instead, this year’s Fleet Week Air Show will now be headlined by the Canadian Snowbirds.

Who are the Canadian Snowbirds?

While they may lack the name recognition, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are an elite air demonstration squadron that perform aerial acrobatics in tight formations very much in the style of the Blue Angels. The group is based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in central Canada.

The group flies nine- and seven-plane formations, including one modeled on Canada’s symbol, the maple leaf.

Comprised of members of the Canadian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Snowbirds squadron boasts 32 active members of its Air Display Flight unit. The unit is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Paquet, a 21-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

What kind of planes due the Canadian Snowbirds fly?

The Snowbirds fly the CT-114 Tutor, a modified version of a plane that was formerly used as a jet trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Tutors flown by the Snowbirds are modified for “enhanced performance during low-level aerobatic flying,” according to the Canadian Forces website.

The plane has a range of 402 miles and a maximum speed of 474 mph.

When will the Canadia Snowbirds fly?

The Snowbirds will take part in the San Francisco Fleet Week 2025 Air Show, this coming weekend beginning on Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12.

Fleet Week Air Show schedule:

• Friday — 11:15 a.m. — 4 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday — 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.

What else is happening during Fleet Week?

While the Blue Angels won’t take part, there are plenty of other events happening for Fleet Week this week. The High School Band challenge is set to go ahead as planned. San Francisco’s famed North Beach neighborhood will also be holding the annual Italian Heritage Festival.