The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration chief anticipates that Canada will soon certify long-delayed Gulfstream business jets, addressing a key concern raised by President Donald Trump.
FAA Administrator’s Statement
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford shared this update with reporters on Capitol Hill following a meeting with lawmakers. “I think we’ve resolved the issues with Canada,” Bedford stated. “My understanding is Transport Canada will announce the Gulfstream certifications that have been delayed for years.”
Bedford expects the announcement for these U.S.-produced jets to come later this week.
Canadian Officials Respond
A spokesperson for Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed that Transport Canada continues to collaborate with Gulfstream and the FAA on aircraft certifications. MacKinnon declined to address questions on the matter while entering a cabinet meeting in Ottawa.
General Dynamics-owned Gulfstream has not yet responded to inquiries.
Background on the Trump Threat
Last month, President Trump posted on social media about plans to decertify Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express jets and impose 50% tariffs on all Canadian aircraft imports until Canada approves several Gulfstream models. He reiterated intentions to decertify “their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada” pending the certifications.
This stance emerged amid heightened U.S.-Canada tensions, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for nations to adapt to the decline of the rules-based global order, which he linked to U.S. trade policies.
Potential Impacts and Expert Views
Such decertification would severely affect U.S. airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which depend on Canadian jets for regional operations. Aviation experts question whether Trump holds unilateral authority for such actions based on economic disputes.
Canadian officials have been actively working to settle the certification disagreement. Airline representatives warn that allowing economic-based decertifications could destabilize the global aviation system and empower other nations similarly.
Ongoing Tensions
Trump recently escalated pressures by threatening to block the opening of a $4.7 billion Detroit-Canada bridge unless Canada enters trade negotiations.
