U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines on Thursday by announcing the decertification of Bombardier’s Global Express business jets and signaling the potential for hefty 50% import tariffs on other Canadian aircraft unless Canadian authorities certify multiple planes produced by U.S. competitor Gulfstream. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed, “Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that failure to address this matter promptly would result in significant tariffs on any aircraft sold into the U.S.
The specifics of which aircraft would be impacted remain unclear; however, there is concern that models beyond the Bombardier Global Express could be included, such as the Airbus A220 commercial jets manufactured in Canada. Reports indicate that over 400 Canadian-made planes were active in U.S. airspace as of early Friday, with data provider Cirium noting that 150 Global Express planes are operated by 115 different operators in the U.S.
Trump’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States regarding aircraft certification. He accused Canada of withholding certifications for Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets, despite the fact that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have already certified the Gulfstream G800. The exact mechanisms by which Trump intends to decertify these aircraft are under scrutiny, as aircraft certification is primarily overseen by the FAA.
Challenges abound as it remains uncertain whether the FAA can legally revoke aircraft certifications based on economic grounds or what that could mean for American owners of these planes in terms of operational capability within the U.S. airspace. Notably, the FAA declined to provide immediate commentary on Trump’s statements.
The international aviation certification process typically involves a primary regulator, in this case, the U.S. for Gulfstream aircraft, which vouches for the safety of the design. Other nations, such as Canada, then validate these decisions or request additional information. This dynamic emphasizes the delicate balance between safety standards and trade relations. Tensions have been exacerbated recently, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for a diversification of trade routes due to ongoing U.S. tariffs affecting key Canadian imports.
In a positive development for Bombardier, the FAA certified its Global 8000 business jet, recognized as the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde, with a top speed of Mach 0.95, earlier in December. This certification marked a bright spot amidst the complexities of U.S.-Canada trade relations. As both countries navigate these challenges, the aviation industry remains at the center of significant discussions on safety, trade policies, and international cooperation in aviation standards.