ProperNews
The Spark: Trump’s Truth Social Bomb (Jan 29)
President Donald Trump ignited a transcontinental aviation war Thursday, announcing the US would “decertify all aircraft made in Canada” until Transport Canada approves Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets. Trump called it “wrongful, illegal blocking” of American products, threatening 50% tariffs on Canadian imports.
FAA Weighs In: “Level Playing Field” Demand
FAA chief Bryan Bedford doubled down at Singapore’s Changi Aviation Summit: “Our concern is whether Canada applies sufficient resources to US products equal to foreign certifications.” Bedford expects bilateral agreements to hold—Canada must reciprocate FAA approvals.
Gulfstream (General Dynamics subsidiary) received FAA certs 2018-2025 for all models, plus EASA. Transport Canada lags, citing “additional requirements” post-737 MAX scandals.
Bombardier Caught in Crossfire
Trump singled out Bombardier Global Express jets: “Decertifying until fixed.” 5,000+ Canadian planes fly US skies daily—regional fleets (Air Canada Express, Delta Connection) rely on Bombardier CRJ/A220.
Experts warn: FAA can’t unilaterally revoke type certificates (safety domain). But Trump could issue airworthiness directives or tariffs via Commerce Dept.
Timeline of the Feud
• 2017: Boeing vs Bombardier C-Series subsidies (Trump imposed 300% tariffs, later dropped).
• 2025: Gulfstream G700 FAA cert → Canada delays supplemental review.
• Jan 29, 2026: Trump Truth Social threat.
• Feb 2: FAA Bedford Singapore statement backing “fairness.”
Industry Panic Mode
• Bombardier: “In contact with Ottawa; safety first.” Stock -4.2%.
• Air Canada: “Monitoring; no fleet impact expected.”
• Delta/United: 1,200 CRJ regional jets at risk.
• Pentagon: Separate military certs unaffected, but Gulfstream G650 military variants questioned.
Richard Aboulafia (AeroDynamic Advisory): “Politicizing safety is dangerous. FAA evaluates risk, not trade”.
Legal & Technical Reality
FAA issues Type Certificates (design safety). Other nations validate via bilateral agreements. Post-MAX, Europe/Canada added scrutiny—no full decert possible without safety findings.
White House clarifies: Targets new deliveries, not existing fleet. Still disrupts Bombardier orders ($28B backlog).
Economic Stakes
• US aviation exports: $50B/year.
• Canada aviation: 200K jobs, $28B GDP.
• Gulfstream backlog: 400 jets ($80B).
Global Ripple Effects
EASA watching: “Safety transcends trade.” China hints retaliation on Boeing 737 MAX certs. Supply chains scramble—Bombardier Mirabel plant (Quebec) builds 70% US exports.
Trump’s Playbook
Pattern: Boeing-Bombardier 2017 (won tariffs), USMCA steel (extracted concessions). Aviation first weaponized safety rhetoric.
What Happens Next?
• Feb 15: Transport Canada G700 review deadline.
• Mar 1: FAA bilateral meeting Singapore follow-up.
• Q2 2026: Potential Commerce tariffs if unresolved.
Stakeholder Reactions
• Gulfstream: “Safety paramount; welcome FAA support.”
• Bombardier CEO: “Political interference unprecedented.”
• Transport Canada: “Independent process; no timeline pressure.”
Bottom Line
Trump-FAA-Canada clash tests aviation’s sacred safety-trade firewall. Gulfstream wins short-term leverage, but long-term trust erosion risks global certification chaos. Watch Ottawa’s next move.
