The head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects Canada to announce certification for long-delayed Gulfstream business jets, addressing a key issue raised by President Donald Trump.
FAA Administrator Confirms Progress
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated to reporters on Capitol Hill that the certification issues with Canada are resolved. “I think we’ve resolved the issues with Canada,” Bedford said after a meeting with lawmakers. “My understanding is Transport Canada will announce the Gulfstream certifications that have been delayed for years.”
Bedford anticipates the announcement for jets from the U.S.-based manufacturer later this week.
Canadian Response
A spokesperson for Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon confirmed that Transport Canada continues to collaborate with Gulfstream and the FAA on aircraft certification. MacKinnon declined to address questions on the matter while entering a cabinet meeting in Ottawa.
General Dynamics-owned Gulfstream has not yet commented on the developments.
Background on the Dispute
Last month, 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 regulators approve Gulfstream models. He reiterated intentions to decertify “their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada.”
The threat arose amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada, following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for nations to abandon the rules-based global order amid U.S. trade policies.
Potential Impacts
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 economic-based decertification.
Canadian officials have been actively working to settle the certification disagreement. Airline representatives warn that using decertification as a trade tool could empower other nations and jeopardize global aviation safety.
Ongoing Tensions
Trump recently escalated pressures, threatening to block a $4.7 billion Detroit-Canada bridge opening without trade negotiations.
