U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with 50% tariffs on aircraft manufactured in the country, as well as the potential “decertification” of Canadian-built aircraft in the U.S. market, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace at which Canada’s aviation regulator is certifying business jets produced by U.S. rival Gulfstream. According to Reuters, Trump made the statement on the Truth Social platform, warning that the measures would be implemented unless the certification process is immediately accelerated.
As reported by Reuters, Trump also referred to the “decertification” of Bombardier Global Express aircraft, along with all other aircraft manufactured in Canada, until the Canadian regulator grants the required approvals for the Gulfstream G500, G600, G700 and G800 models. If carried out, such a move could have serious consequences for U.S. airlines that rely heavily on Canadian-built aircraft for regional operations, including fleets operated by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
However, according to Reuters, citing a White House official, Trump was not suggesting the decertification of aircraft already in service. Similar assurances were reportedly conveyed to U.S. airlines by officials from the Federal Aviation Administration. Data from Cirium show that more than 5,400 Canadian-made aircraft are currently registered in the United States, including regional aircraft, narrowbodies and helicopters, among them 150 Bombardier Global Express jets.
Canadian manufacturer Bombardier said it had taken note of Trump’s remarks and was in contact with the Canadian government, expressing hope for a swift resolution to avoid disruptions to air traffic. The IAM union warned, also according to Reuters, that such threats could seriously destabilize the North American aerospace and aviation industry and put thousands of jobs at risk on both sides of the border.
Legal uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. Industry experts note that under current regulations, the FAA does not appear to have the authority to revoke aircraft certifications for economic or political reasons, but only on safety grounds. Analysts caution that blending political pressure with safety-based certification processes could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the global aviation certification system that underpins international air transport.
