US Moves to Decertify Canadian-Built Jets

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to decertify Canadian-made aircraft, including Bombardier business jets, and impose a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. in a rapidly escalating aviation dispute with Canada. 

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would withdraw certification for Bombardier’s Global Express business jets and potentially all aircraft manufactured in Canada unless Canada’s civil aviation regulator approves several models made by Gulfstream Aerospace, a U.S. manufacturer. Trump’s comments were made in a social media post and have not yet been followed by formal regulatory action. 

The certification process is a formal safety approval that allows an aircraft to be registered and flown in a market. Trump claims that Canada has “wrongfully” delayed certification of Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700 and G800 jets, and is effectively blocking U.S. manufacturers from selling into the Canadian market. 

If enforced, decertification could affect thousands of Canadian-built aircraft operating in the United States, including business jets and regional aircraft. Data from aviation analysts shows that hundreds of Canadian-made planes, including about 150 Bombardier Global Express jets, are registered in the U.S. and used by operators, corporations and private owners. 

Industry and Regulatory Uncertainty

It is unclear how the U.S. would legally implement a decertification, as aircraft safety approvals are typically based on technical reviews by regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Canada’s Transport Canada Civil Aviation. There has been no official announcement from either regulator detailing steps to ground or remove approvals for aircraft currently in service. 

The tariff threat would dramatically increase costs for Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S., potentially disrupting the aerospace market and straining ties between two longtime trading partners. Canada has not yet formally responded to the U.S. move. 

Travel Radar will continue to follow developments as this aviation dispute unfolds.