Bombardier in Talks With Ottawa After Trump Threatens Aircraft Decertification

Canada’s aerospace sector is facing renewed uncertainty after Donald Trump threatened to “decertify” Canadian-made aircraft and impose steep tariffs of 50%, once again putting Bombardier at the center of a growing trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa.

Bombardier confirmed on Thursday that it is in contact with the Canadian government following Trump’s social media remarks, which singled out the company’s Global Express business jets. The Montreal-based manufacturer said it had taken note of the comments and is closely monitoring the situation as political tensions escalate.

Trump Escalates Trade War With Aviation Threats

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Canada of “wrongfully” blocking the certification of several U.S.-made Gulfstream jets. As retaliation, he said his administration would move to decertify Bombardier Global Express aircraft and potentially all planes manufactured in Canada unless the issue is resolved. Trump also warned that a 50% tariff could be imposed on Canada’s aircraft sold into the United States.

While Trump did not provide technical details, aircraft certification in the U.S. falls under the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Legal and aviation experts have noted that “decertification” is highly unusual and could face regulatory, legal and diplomatic hurdles if pursued.

Why Bombardier Is in the Spotlight Again

Bombardier and Gulfstream are long-standing rivals in the global business jet market, competing directly in the large-cabin, long-range segment. Trump’s comments revive memories of his first term, when his administration slapped nearly 300% tariffs on Bombardier’s C Series aircraft. That dispute ultimately led Bombardier to sell the program to Airbus, where it now operates as the A220.

This time, the focus is on Bombardier’s Global Express jets, a flagship product line used by corporations, governments and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Any disruption to certification or cross-border sales could have significant implications for the company and for Canada’s broader aerospace supply chain.

Donald Trump’s Tariff Threat to Canada

Broader Impact on Canada’s Aerospace Industry

Bombardier is not the only manufacturer potentially affected. Canada is home to major aerospace operations from companies such as Airbus and De Havilland Canada, meaning any blanket tariffs or certification actions could ripple across the industry.

The dispute also comes as Canada and the United States prepare for a review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). U.S. officials have warned against escalating tensions ahead of negotiations, while Canadian leaders argue that trade threats undermine fair and rules-based commerce.

Political Tensions Add to Market Uncertainty

Trump’s latest remarks reflect a broader pattern of aggressive trade rhetoric since his re-election, often aimed at pressuring allies during negotiations. While some past threats have not materialized, markets and manufacturers are taking notice given the high stakes involved in aerospace certification and cross-border trade.

For now, Bombardier says it is engaging with Ottawa as the situation develops. Whether Trump’s threat leads to concrete action or serves as a negotiating tactic remains to be seen, but the episode underscores how quickly political disputes can spill onto the global aviation runway.