U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent concern about disrupting the close economic relationship between the United States and Canada focuses on business jets. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump announced the decertification of Bombardier Global Express business jets and threatened a 50% import tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft until Canada certifies four series models produced by U.S. competitor Gulfstream.
Transport Canada, responsible for Canadian certification, did not immediately respond to Reuters for comment. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a union representing over 600,000 workers in North America, raised concerns that Trump’s actions could disrupt the aerospace industry and jeopardize jobs on both sides of the border.
John Gradek, an aviation and supply chain management lecturer at McGill University, expressed surprise at Trump’s statements and highlighted potential industry repercussions. The price of a business jet can reach $80 million, with major carriers like Delta and American Airlines utilizing Bombardier planes in their fleets.
Trump’s social media post, typical of his declarations since 2017, has caused confusion within the industry and his administration. It remains uncertain how Trump could decertify the planes, as this falls under the Federal Aviation Administration’s jurisdiction, which can only revoke certifications for safety reasons, not economic ones.
Bombardier, based in Montreal, acknowledged Trump’s post and engaged with the Canadian government to address the situation. The company emphasized its compliance with FAA standards and the significant presence of Canadian-built jets in the U.S. aviation system.
Gulfstream, a General Dynamics subsidiary, faces certification challenges in Canada for its G500, G600, G700, and G800 models. While Trump criticized Canada’s refusal to certify these advanced aircraft, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has already certified the Gulfstream G800 following FAA approval.
Overall, the dispute over aircraft certification underscores the intricate ties between the U.S. and Canadian aviation industries, with potential implications for jobs, trade, and industry regulations.
