Albertans will have to keep their eyes on the sky over the next few days.

Don’t worry it has nothing to do with the so-called ‘murder hornets’, people will instead be watching for the iconic CT-114 Tutor plane flown by the Snowbirds – Canada’s famed Air Demonstration team, to fly overhead.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are on a cross-country tour dubbed Operation Inspiration, saluting Canadians doing their part in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The team’s signature nine-jet formation, with trailing white smoke, will fly over cities across the country. They started in Nova Scotia at the beginning of May and are now taking a small break at their home base in Moose Jaw, before continuing West.

“Every year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds travel the country putting smiles on the faces of Canadians,” said Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force. “While Canadians may not be able to gather at air shows for now, we’re honoured to bring the Snowbirds team to Canadians and to pay special tribute to them.”

The team will release anticipated locations, routes, and times on their social media platforms each day. The next leg of their journey will begin Thursday, May 14, in Saskatchewan.

“We’ve been asked to do what we do best… inspire Canadians,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. “Through Operation Inspiration, we not only want to salute the front-line health-care workers, first responders, and essential workers, but also all Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We want Canadians to know we’re in this with you.”

The Snowbirds are encouraging Canadians to observe the flyovers from the safety of their homes to maintain social distancing efforts and refrain from travelling to see them.