This article is based on an official press release from Bombardier.

Bombardier Defends U.S. Footprint Following Presidential Tariff Threats

On January 29, 2026, Bombardier issued a firm response to recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the certification of Canadian aircraft and the potential imposition of significant tariffs. The Montreal-based manufacturer emphasized its extensive integration into the American economy and the full regulatory compliance of its fleet in an effort to counter threats of a 50% tariff and “decertification” of its jets.

The company’s statement comes immediately after President Trump took to social media to criticize Canada’s trade practices. According to reports on the President’s comments, the administration is targeting Bombardier in retaliation for Canada’s alleged refusal to certify rival U.S.-manufactured Gulfstream jets. Bombardier’s response, however, pivoted away from the political dispute to highlight its role as a major U.S. employer and industrial partner.

Economic Impact and U.S. Integration

In its official release, Bombardier argued that penalizing its operations would inadvertently harm the U.S. aviation sector and the thousands of American workers it employs. The manufacturer positioned itself not merely as a foreign exporter, but as a deeply embedded stakeholder in the U.S. aerospace ecosystem.

According to the press release, Bombardier’s U.S. presence includes:

• Direct Employment: Over 3,000 employees working within the United States.
• Facilities: Operations spread across nine major facilities nationwide.
• Supply Chain: A network of approximately 2,800 U.S.-based suppliers supporting its manufacturing and service lines.

The company also pointed to its continued investment in American infrastructure. Specifically, the statement referenced a recent announcement regarding a new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Industry data indicates this 64,500-square-foot service center, announced in late 2025, is projected to create approximately 100 high-wage jobs in the Midwest.

“Bombardier is a major U.S. employer… We have a significant footprint in the United States with more than 3,000 employees and 9 facilities.”

, Bombardier Official Statement

Certification and Safety Standards

A central element of the President’s threat was the “decertification” of the Bombardier Global Express and other Canadian-made aircraft. In response, Bombardier explicitly defended the safety and regulatory standing of its fleet.

The company stated that all its aircraft, facilities, and technicians are “fully certified to FAA standards.” By emphasizing its compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bombardier aims to reassure operators and the flying public that its jets remain safe and legal to fly, despite the political rhetoric.

The manufacturer warned that any move to ground these aircraft or block their sale would have immediate negative consequences for U.S. air traffic. With thousands of Bombardier jets currently in service, many owned by U.S. corporations and individuals, the company cautioned that the proposed measures would disrupt the national airspace system.

AirPro News Analysis: The Feasibility of Executive Decertification

While the threat to “decertify” an aircraft type via executive order is politically potent, the legal and regulatory reality is complex. Aircraft certification in the United States is governed by the FAA, a body that bases airworthiness directives on technical safety data rather than executive decree.

Historically, the grounding or decertification of an aircraft type (such as the Boeing 737 MAX) occurs only after rigorous technical review identifies a specific safety hazard. A summary decertification of a proven platform like the Global Express, absent any safety data, would likely face immediate legal challenges from operators, the manufacturer, and potentially the regulator itself. Furthermore, the reciprocity of certification between Transport Canada and the FAA is a foundational element of North American aviation; dismantling it could stall cross-border aerospace trade entirely.

Context: The Gulfstream Dispute

While Bombardier’s statement focused on its own economic contributions, the catalyst for this escalation lies in a separate regulatory dispute. President Trump’s comments explicitly cited Canada’s refusal to certify specific Gulfstream models, the G500, G600, G700, and G800, as the rationale for the threatened tariffs.

The U.S. administration views the certification delays for these Savannah-built jets as a protectionist measure designed to shield Bombardier from competition. By threatening a 50% tariff on Canadian aircraft, the President appears to be leveraging Bombardier’s market access to force a regulatory concession from Ottawa regarding the Gulfstream fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific threats did the President make against Bombardier?

President Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold into the U.S. and stated he would “decertify” the Bombardier Global Express and other Canadian-made jets.

How many people does Bombardier employ in the U.S.?

According to their official statement, Bombardier directly employs over 3,000 people in the United States across nine facilities.

Why is the U.S. threatening these tariffs?

The threats are a retaliatory measure against Canada’s alleged refusal to certify U.S.-made Gulfstream jets (models G500 through G800) for sale in Canada.

Can the President unilaterally decertify an aircraft?

While the President has broad powers over trade and tariffs, aircraft certification is a technical process managed by the FAA. Unilateral decertification without safety justification would be unprecedented and likely subject to legal challenge.

Sources

• Bombardier Statement