Bombardier warns Trump threat could disrupt air traffic and travellers
Bombardier says President Trump’s threat to decertify Canadian-made jets and impose tariffs could have a significant impact on air traffic and thousands of passengers.
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By Torontoer Staff
Bombardier says U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to decertify its Global Express jets and all aircraft made in Canada could have a significant impact on air traffic and the flying public. The company said it is in contact with the Canadian government after Trump said he could impose a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian aircraft sales to the United States.
In a statement, Bombardier warned that thousands of private and civilian jets built in Canada fly in the United States every day and called for a quick resolution to avoid disruption to passengers and operators. The company emphasised that its aircraft, facilities and technicians meet FAA standards.
What Trump announced
On social media, Trump said Canada had "wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets" and that he would "decertify their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada" until Gulfstream was certified. He added that if Canada did not act, he would impose a 50 per cent tariff on any aircraft sold into the United States.
Industry responses and safety concerns
The threat prompted immediate pushback from industry and political figures. The Bloc Québécois leader called on the U.S. administration to withdraw its threats and to obtain full information from relevant agencies and Bombardier, saying the move jeopardises continental economic stability and the air transport network on dubious grounds.
This threat jeopardises economic stability and the air transport network of the entire continent on false grounds and potentially its safety.
Yves‑François Blanchet, Bloc Québécois leader
The IAM Union warned against politicising the aircraft certification process, saying doing so would set a dangerous global precedent, undermine international safety standards and put the integrity of the aviation system at risk.
Technical and regulatory context
Experts say Trump’s claim that Canada has "illegally" refused to certify certain Gulfstream models is inaccurate. John Gradek, an aviation expert at McGill University, noted that the Gulfstream 500 and 600 are already approved for use in Canada, while the newer 700 and 800 models remain under review and may require additional time for Transport Canada to assess.
It’s not illegal for Canada to look at certifying these aeroplanes on their own merit. Transport Canada needs time to make sure these aeroplanes are safe to operate and carry Canadian passengers.
John Gradek, McGill University aviation expert
A White House official told Global News on background that the threat would apply only to new aircraft, not to planes already in operation, but details about how any decertification or tariff would be implemented were not provided in the original post.
Economic stakes and jobs
Bombardier highlighted potential job impacts in the United States, saying it employs more than 3,000 people across nine U.S. facilities and supports thousands of additional jobs through some 2,800 suppliers. The company noted ongoing investments in U.S. operations, including recent expansion plans in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Bombardier warns of potential disruption to daily private and civilian flights between Canada and the U.S.
- Trump threatened decertification of Canadian-made aircraft and a 50 per cent tariff if Canada does not act on Gulfstream certification.
- Transport Canada and industry say certification reviews follow safety protocols and timelines; some Gulfstream models are already approved.
- Bombardier employs thousands in the U.S. and says politicising certification risks jobs and international safety standards.
Where things stand
Bombardier said it has taken note of the president’s post and is consulting with the Canadian government. The federal government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Industry groups and safety experts are urging that certification remain a technical, not political, process.
Resolution will depend on government discussions and regulatory reviews on both sides of the border. Bombardier urged a swift outcome to prevent complications for operators, passengers and the wider aerospace supply chain.
BombardieraviationCanada-US relationsair travelaerospace industry
