Washington/Montreal (Rajeev Sharma): — The head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Tuesday that Canada is expected to move forward with certifying certain Gulfstream business jets whose approval has been stalled for several years, potentially easing tensions between the two countries over aircraft regulation.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters on Capitol Hill that discussions with Canadian authorities had led to progress. “I think we’ve resolved the issues with Canada,” Bedford said following meetings with lawmakers. He added that Transport Canada was anticipated to announce certification decisions regarding the U.S.-manufactured Gulfstream aircraft later this week.
Transport Canada confirmed it continues to collaborate with both Gulfstream and the FAA on the certification process but did not specify a timeline for a final announcement.
The issue gained international attention last month after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Canada’s delay in certifying the Gulfstream jets. In a social media post, Trump warned that the United States could revoke certification for Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express aircraft and impose tariffs of up to 50% on planes manufactured in Canada if approvals were not granted.
Gulfstream, which operates under parent company General Dynamics, did not respond to requests for comment. Bombardier also declined to comment on the matter.
Aircraft certification is traditionally handled as a technical and safety-based procedure, independent of political or trade considerations. However, the dispute unfolded amid broader trade friction between Washington and Ottawa.
Richard Aboulafia, managing director of Aerodynamic Advisory, noted that while the timing of Canada’s expected decision may align with political developments, aviation approvals should remain insulated from economic or diplomatic pressure. “Aircraft certification should not be politicized or connected to trade leverage,” he said.
Trump’s remarks came during a period of strained relations between the neighboring countries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously criticized U.S. trade policies and suggested that the global rules-based system championed by Washington was eroding.
The potential decertification of Bombardier aircraft raised concerns within the aviation industry. Major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate fleets that include Canadian-manufactured aircraft, particularly for regional routes. Industry officials warned that using certification as a trade tool could disrupt international aviation standards and set a precedent that might destabilize the global air transport system.
Canadian authorities said last month they were working to address the dispute through regulatory channels. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to apply pressure on Canada in other areas, including threatening to block the opening of a $4.7 billion international bridge between Detroit and Canada unless trade negotiations advanced.
If Canada proceeds with certifying the Gulfstream jets, it could signal a de-escalation in the aviation dispute, though broader trade tensions between the two countries remain unresolved.
