The economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada faces disruption as President Donald Trump raises concerns over business jets. In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump announced the decertification of Bombardier Global Express jets and proposed imposing a 50 percent import tariff on all Canadian aircraft until four series models from U.S. competitor Gulfstream are certified by Canadian regulators.
Transport Canada, responsible for certification in Canada, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing over 600,000 workers in North America, expressed concerns over the potential impact on the aerospace industry and employment.
Aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University expressed surprise at Trump’s actions, highlighting the significant implications for the industry. Trump’s proposal could affect the U.S. aviation sector, where major carriers like Delta and American Airlines operate Bombardier planes worth up to $80 million each.
The certification process for aircraft design involves the primary regulator, in this case, the U.S. for Gulfstream, ensuring safety. However, Trump’s social media declarations have caused confusion within the industry, as it remains unclear how he could decertify planes without FAA authority on economic grounds.
Bombardier, based in Montreal, responded to Trump’s statement, emphasizing its compliance with FAA standards and the essential role its aircraft play in U.S. airspace. The company urged a swift resolution to prevent disruptions to air traffic and passenger travel.
Data from Cirium indicates the significant presence of Canadian-made aircraft in the U.S., including Bombardier’s Global Express fleet. The FAA recently certified Bombardier’s Global 8000 business jet, known for its speed, highlighting the company’s contributions to the aviation sector.
On the other hand, Trump criticized Canada’s delay in certifying Gulfstream models, despite FAA and EU approvals for some of Gulfstream’s aircraft. The certification process in Canada has been praised as top-notch and effective by industry experts.