Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier is warning of “significant impact to air traffic and the flying public” from U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to decertify the company’s Global Express jets “and all aircraft made in Canada.”
“We have taken note of the post from the President of the United States to social media and are in contact with the Canadian government,” Bombardier said in a statement.
It comes after Trump said Thursday night that he will slap a 50 per cent tariff on all aircraft sold into the United States from Canada unless the country “immediately” certifies business jets made by American company Gulfstream.
Bombardier said the move could have an impact on air traffic.
“Thousands of private and civilian jets built in Canada fly in the U.S. every day. We hope this is quickly resolved to avoid a significant impact to air traffic and the flying public,” the statement said.
“Our aircraft, facilities and technicians are fully certified to FAA standards and renowned around the world.”
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Trump’s Truth Social post did not contain specific details of his threats.
“Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, one of the greatest, most technologically advanced airplanes ever made, we are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago,” Trump wrote.
“Further, Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process. If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50% Tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
However, a White House official told Global News on background that the threat applies only to new planes and not the ones already in operation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney did not respond to questions about the threat on Thursday evening.
Industry voices are warning against “politicizing” the aircraft certification process.
“Politicizing aircraft certification would set a dangerous global precedent, undermining international safety standards and putting the integrity of the aviation system at risk,” the IAM Union, previously known as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said in a statement.
Bombardier also said thousands of U.S. jobs are on the line, adding that it “employs more than 3,000 people in the U.S. across 9 major facilities, and creates thousands of U.S. jobs through 2,800 suppliers.”
The company said it is “actively investing” in expanding its U.S. operations, including a recent announcement in Fort Wayne, Ind.
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