President Donald Trump has threatened to “decertify” Canadian-built aircraft used by U.S. airlines and impose a 50% tariff on Canadian planes unless Canada approves certification of U.S.-made Gulfstream jets a move that has alarmed aviation safety experts and industry watchers.
Trump’s comments, made on social media, targeted Bombardier’s Canadian-manufactured jets and all aircraft built in Canada in retaliation for delays in Canada’s certification of certain Gulfstream business jets.
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Industry officials noted that the authority to certify aircraft in the U.S. lies with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) not the president and that weaponizing certification for political purposes could undermine aviation safety and regulatory integrity.
The threatened actions could affect thousands of aircraft including regional jets and business aircraft flown daily by carriers such as Delta and American Airlines and raise the possibility of flight disruptions and higher ticket prices if applied to future deliveries.
The Washington Post Canadian authorities and Bombardier have sought talks with U.S. officials to address the dispute, while experts warn against politicizing what is normally a technical, safety-focused process.
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Source: Business Insider Africa
