Montreal, February 1 - Canadian officials have expressed confidence that a brewing dispute over private jet certifications can be resolved swiftly, following sharp declines in Bombardier shares triggered by threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversy centers on allegations that Canadian regulators have delayed approvals for certain Gulfstream business jet models produced in the United States, prompting retaliatory warnings of decertification for Bombardier aircraft and potential 50% import tariffs on Canadian-made planes entering the U.S. market. Bombardier, a leading manufacturer of business jets including the Global Express series, saw its stock drop as much as 9% in early trading amid the uncertainty, reflecting investor concerns over access to its largest market, where a significant portion of its fleet operates.
The escalation stems from longstanding certification processes managed independently by aviation authorities in each country, with Transport Canada handling approvals for foreign aircraft like Gulfstream's newer models. President Trump claimed these delays were unjustified and announced intentions to revoke Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications for Bombardier Global Express jets and potentially all Canadian-built aircraft until reciprocity is achieved. Such measures, if implemented, could disrupt sales, operations, and residual values in the private aviation sector, where Bombardier competes directly with U.S. rivals in the large-cabin business jet segment. Industry observers note that while older Gulfstream models have been certified in Canada, newer variants remain under review, a standard regulatory procedure rather than a deliberate blockade.
In response, Canadian representatives, including senior ministers, emphasized ongoing dialogues with U.S. counterparts and stressed that aircraft certification should remain apolitical and grounded in safety standards. Officials indicated that progress is being made on the Gulfstream approvals and expressed optimism that the matter could be addressed through established bilateral channels without escalating to punitive trade actions. Bombardier itself has engaged with the federal government to monitor developments, underscoring the importance of avoiding any adverse effects on air traffic or the broader aerospace industry, which supports thousands of jobs in Quebec and across Canada.
The incident highlights the interconnected nature of North American aerospace manufacturing and the sensitivity of cross-border trade in high-value aviation products. With Bombardier deriving substantial revenue from U.S. customers, resolution remains critical to maintaining stability in the sector. As talks continue, both sides appear positioned to de-escalate, preserving the collaborative framework that has long underpinned aviation standards and commerce between the two nations.
