Snowbirds fly over Manitoba Tuesday morning as part of Operation Inspiration

At a time when many people are feeling isolated, Manitobans came together Tuesday morning to watch an aerial show by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds while staying physically distant.

The aerobatics team is on its national Operation Inspiration tour of the country to lift Canadians' spirits during the third month of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The team took off from 17 Wing, an air force base in Winnipeg, at around 9:30 a.m., then did a loop over the city. They prioritized flying over hospitals and residential neighbourhoods, a spokesperson said earlier Tuesday.

The team could be seen soaring over the Winnipeg skyline at about 9:35 a.m.

Winnipeggers watched from their balconies, backyards, and parks as the team flew over the city.

From there they made their way toward Portage la Prairie, following the Trans-Canada Highway, landing in Brandon around 10:30 a.m. 

The flyover comes on the 150th anniversary of the founding of Manitoba. A spokesperson for the Snowbirds said they did not plan to hit Manitoba skies on its birthday, but it was nice that they could help celebrate.

Some Winnipeggers posted videos of the flyover on Twitter and Facebook: 

The Snowbirds take off from Brandon at 1:30 p.m., making their way west to Moose Jaw, Sask.