In a recent statement on Capitol Hill, the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said he expects Canada to announce that it will certify several Gulfstream business jets that had been held up for years. The announcement would settle a dispute that had been brought into the spotlight by a former U.S. president.
“I think we’ve resolved the issues with Canada,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters after meeting with lawmakers. “My understanding is Transport Canada will announce the Gulfstream certifications that have been delayed for years.” He added that the announcement was likely to come later that week.
A spokesperson for Canada’s transport minister confirmed that Transport Canada is still working closely with Gulfstream and the FAA to complete the certification process. Gulfstream, owned by General Dynamics, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The certification issue grew into a political flashpoint when the former president publicly threatened to decertify Canadian‑made Bombardier Global Express aircraft and impose a 50% import tariff on all Canadian aircraft until the Gulfstream planes were approved. Such a move would have had a ripple effect, potentially disrupting U.S. carriers that rely on Bombardier jets for regional services.
Canadian officials have been working to resolve the dispute, and airline leaders warned that a decertification strategy could give other nations a powerful bargaining tool and pose a risk to the entire aviation system.
In related news, the former president also threatened to halt the opening of a $4.7 billion bridge between Detroit and Canada unless the country agreed to new trade talks, adding another layer of tension to the already fraught relationship.
