This article is based on an official press release from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and summarizes public statements regarding the current U.S.-Canada trade dispute.

IAM Condemns Trump’s Threat to Decertify Canadian Aircraft Amidst Escalating Trade War

January 30, 2026, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has issued a stern warning following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to decertify Canadian-made Commercial-Aircraft and impose a 50% tariff on their import. The union, representing aerospace workers across North America, argues that weaponizing aviation safety certification for political leverage threatens the stability of the entire industry.

The dispute escalated on January 29, when President Trump took to Truth Social to announce punitive measures against Canada. Citing an alleged refusal by Transport Canada to certify U.S.-made Gulfstream business jets, the President threatened to “decertify” Bombardier Global Express aircraft and “all Aircraft made in Canada” unless the situation is “immediately corrected.”

In a press release issued shortly after the President’s remarks, the IAM emphasized that the North American aerospace supply chain is deeply integrated, and such measures would harm workers on both sides of the border.

Union Leaders Call for Safety Independence

The IAM’s primary objection centers on the politicization of safety protocols. Under international agreements, aviation certification is a technical process designed to ensure airworthiness, not a lever for trade negotiations. The union warns that deviating from this standard sets a dangerous precedent.

In the official statement, IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand condemned the strategy:

“Any attack on Canadian aircraft harms both Canadian and American workers alike. Aircraft certification must remain independent and grounded in safety, not politics.”

, David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President

The union highlighted that the aerospace ecosystem relies on the seamless movement of parts and finished goods between the United States and Canada. A 50% tariff would effectively halt Canadian exports to the U.S., impacting not only Canadian assembly lines but also the thousands of U.S. suppliers that provide engines, Avionics, and landing gear for these aircraft.

IAM International President Brian Bryant urged the administration to pivot its focus toward domestic labor issues rather than trade wars:

“The Trump administration should focus on closing the loopholes that continue to fuel the offshoring of aerospace… jobs across North America.”

, Brian Bryant, IAM International President

Context: The Carney-Trump Standoff

This aviation dispute occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating diplomatic relations between Washington and Ottawa. Tensions have risen sharply since Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took office. According to political analysts, the friction was exacerbated by PM Carney’s January 20 speech at the World Economic Forum, titled “Principled and Pragmatic: Canada’s Path,” which criticized economic coercion.

The specific grievance cited by the White House involves Gulfstream Aerospace. The Trump administration alleges that Canada has “wrongfully” delayed the certification of Gulfstream’s G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets to protect Bombardier, a domestic competitor. While the G700 and G800 only received FAA certification in 2024 and 2025 respectively, the administration claims the delays are protectionist in nature.

Market Impact and “Decertification” Risks

The threat to “decertify” aircraft is legally complex but economically potent. Following the President’s statement, Bombardier’s stock fell approximately 5.4%. However, the threat extends beyond business jets. By targeting “all Aircraft made in Canada,” the administration puts the Airbus A220 program at risk.

The A220, assembled in Mirabel, Quebec (with a second line in Mobile, Alabama), is a workhorse for U.S. carriers including Delta Air Lines and JetBlue. Tariffs on Canadian-assembled units could significantly increase fleet renewal costs for these U.S. Airlines.

AirPro News Analysis: The Breakdown of Mutual Recognition

The most significant aspect of this development is not the tariff itself, but the threat to the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). For decades, the FAA and Transport Canada have operated under a system of mutual recognition, where one regulator accepts the testing and data of the other to streamline certification.

If the U.S. Executive Branch overrides the FAA to unilaterally “decertify” foreign aircraft for non-technical reasons, it undermines the global framework of aviation safety. We assess that this could lead to retaliatory measures from other regulators, such as EASA (Europe) or CAAC (China), potentially subjecting Boeing aircraft to similar political delays abroad. As the IAM noted, the “tremendous consequences” would likely be felt by the flying public and the workforce long before they are felt by political leadership.

Sources

Sources: IAM Statement, Truth Social (Presidential Statement)

This article summarizes reporting by Flightradar24 and Ian Petchenik.

British Airways A350-1000 Completes Transatlantic Flight After Losing Wheel on Departure

On Monday, January 26, 2026, a British Airways Airbus A350-1000 lost a wheel from its main landing gear assembly during departure from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Despite the mechanical failure, the flight crew elected to continue the 10-hour journey to London Heathrow (LHR), where the aircraft landed safely the following afternoon.

Visual evidence of the incident was captured and reported by Flightradar24. According to their data and video footage, the right-rear wheel of the right main landing gear detached as the aircraft retracted its gear shortly after takeoff. The flight, designated BA274, proceeded to climb to a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet and completed the crossing without further incident.

We have compiled the details of this event, the operational decisions made by the crew, and the technical context regarding the safety of the Airbus A350-1000.

Incident Timeline and Visual Evidence

Flight BA274 departed Las Vegas runway 26R at approximately 9:06 PM PST. Reporting by Flightradar24 highlights that sparks were visible coming from the gear assembly just before the wheel separated. The wheel fell to the ground as the gear doors were closing, a sequence captured on a live stream camera operated by the flight tracking service.

According to airport officials cited in general reporting, the detached wheel was recovered on airport property in Las Vegas. It reportedly caused no damage to ground infrastructure or other aircraft. The aircraft involved, registered as G-XWBN, is a high-capacity wide-body jet that had been scheduled for the 5,200-mile service to the United Kingdom.

Operational Decision: Why the Flight Continued

Following the separation of the wheel, the pilots decided to continue to London rather than dumping fuel and returning immediately to Las Vegas. While such a decision may appear risky to casual observers, it aligns with standard operating procedures for modern long-haul aircraft equipped with redundant landing gear systems.

Upon arrival in London on Tuesday, January 27, the aircraft landed on runway 09L at 14:28 GMT. AirLive.net reported that the aircraft taxied to Terminal 5 under its own power. Emergency services met the aircraft as a precaution,standard protocol for landing gear irregularities,but no intervention was required, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

AirPro News Analysis: Engineering Redundancy

In our analysis of the A350-1000’s design, the decision to continue the flight highlights the significant engineering redundancy built into this specific airframe. Unlike smaller narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, which typically feature two wheels per main gear strut, the A350-1000 utilizes a six-wheel bogie design.

With six wheels on each side, the aircraft has a total of 12 main landing gear wheels. The loss of a single wheel represents a reduction in braking and load-bearing capacity that is well within the safety margins calculated by Airbus. The remaining 11 wheels are capable of supporting the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight, which can exceed 300 tonnes. Consequently, while a lost wheel is a serious maintenance lapse, it does not typically constitute a critical flight safety emergency for this aircraft type.

Aftermath and Industry Context

The aircraft, G-XWBN, was removed from service immediately upon arrival at Heathrow for inspection and repairs. British Airways has not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the specific cause of the failure, such as whether it was a bearing failure or a torque issue.

Similar incidents, while rare, have occurred across the industry. For instance, reporting notes that a United Airlines Boeing 757 lost a wheel departing Los Angeles in July 2024. In that instance, the aircraft diverted to Denver. The successful conclusion of flight BA274 underscores the effectiveness of modern aviation safety standards, which ensure aircraft remain controllable and safe even when mechanical components fail.

Sources

• Flightradar24
• AirLive.net

Satena Flight NSE 8849 Crashes in Colombia’s Catatumbo Region; No Survivors Found

On January 28, 2026, a regional flight operated by SEARCA on behalf of state-owned airline Satena crashed in the mountainous Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander, Colombia. Authorities have confirmed that all 15 occupants on board, 13 passengers and two crew members, perished in the accident. Among the victims was Diógenes Quintero Amaya, a sitting Congressman representing the “Peace Seats” (Curules de Paz), marking a significant political loss for the region.

According to reporting by The City Paper Bogota, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after departing from Cúcuta. The wreckage was subsequently located in a rural sector known for its rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. The Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

Flight Details and Timeline

The flight, designated as NSE 8849, was performed by a Beechcraft 1900D, a twin-turboprop airliner registered as HK-4709. The aircraft was operated by Servicio Aéreo de Capurganá (SEARCA) under a contract with Satena, the Colombian state airline tasked with connecting remote regions of the country.

Based on data released by local authorities, the flight timeline unfolded as follows:

• 11:42 AM: The aircraft departed Camilo Daza International Airport in Cúcuta.
• 11:54 AM: Air traffic control lost contact with the flight approximately 12 minutes after takeoff.
• 12:05 PM: The flight failed to arrive at its scheduled destination, Aguas Claras Airport in Ocaña.

The crash site was identified in the Curasica sector of La Playa de Belén. Search and rescue operations were initially hampered by the failure of the aircraft’s emergency locator beacon to activate, forcing authorities to rely on reports from local residents and aerial reconnaissance to pinpoint the wreckage.

Victims and Political Impact

The passenger manifest included a mix of civilians, political figures, and flight crew. The death of Representative Diógenes Quintero Amaya has drawn national attention. Quintero held one of the 16 “Peace Seats” created by the 2016 peace agreement to ensure representation for victims in conflict-affected zones like Catatumbo.

Confirmed Casualties

In addition to Representative Quintero, the victims included Carlos Salcedo, a candidate campaigning for a Peace Seat in the upcoming elections, and Juan David Pacheco, a former city councilman of Ocaña. The flight crew was identified as Captain Miguel Vanegas and Co-pilot Captain José de la Vega.

The remaining passengers were identified as:

• Natalia Cristina Acosta Salcedo
• María Torcoroma Álvarez Barbosa
• Maira Alejandra Avendaño Rincón
• María del Carmen Díaz Rodríguez
• Anirley Julio Osorio
• Karen Liliana Parales Vera
• Rolando Enrique Peñaloza Gualdrón
• Anayisel Quintero
• Gineth Rincón
• Maira Alejandra Sánchez Criado

“Satena Airlines confirmed the loss of the aircraft and expressed condolences… [emphasizing] that the plane was operated by SEARCA and had valid certifications.”

, Summary of Satena statement via The City Paper Bogota

Investigation and Environmental Factors

The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) has established a Unified Command Post (PMU) to oversee the recovery and investigation. While no official cause has been determined, preliminary reports suggest that environmental factors may have played a role.

Terrain and Weather

The Catatumbo region is characterized by dense jungle and steep mountains, presenting significant challenges for aviation. Reports indicate that weather conditions were poor at the time of the accident, with low visibility cited as a potential contributing factor. While the area is known for the presence of armed groups, authorities have stated there is currently no evidence of foul play or an attack on the aircraft.

Recovery teams, including the Colombian Aerospace Force and the Red Cross, are currently working to recover the victims’ bodies and the aircraft’s flight recorders (“black boxes”), which are critical for determining the sequence of events leading to the crash.

AirPro News Analysis

The Challenge of Andean Connectivity

This incident highlights the persistent risks associated with regional aviation in the Andes. The route between Cúcuta and Ocaña is short but traverses complex topography where weather can change rapidly. The reliance on turboprop aircraft like the Beechcraft 1900D is standard for these routes due to runway limitations at regional airports like Aguas Claras.

Furthermore, the loss of a “Peace Seat” representative underscores the physical risks undertaken by officials working to integrate Colombia’s most isolated and historically violent regions. The necessity of air travel in these zones, often the only viable alternative to dangerous roads, remains a critical infrastructure challenge for the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crash of Satena flight NSE 8849?
The official cause is under investigation by Aerocivil. Early reports cite adverse weather and low visibility in the mountainous Catatumbo region as likely factors.

Was the flight operated directly by Satena?
No. The flight was operated by SEARCA (Servicio Aéreo de Capurganá) on behalf of Satena. The aircraft was a Beechcraft 1900D.

Who was the high-profile politician on board?
Diógenes Quintero Amaya, a Congressman holding a “Peace Seat” representing victims of the armed conflict in the Catatumbo region, was among the deceased.

Were there any survivors?
No. Authorities have confirmed that all 15 people on board (13 passengers and 2 crew members) died in the crash.

Sources: The City Paper Bogota