Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Brian Bedford said Tuesday he expects Canada to announce certification of some Gulfstream business jets that have been delayed for years, resolving an issue highlighted by U.S. President Donald Trump. "I think we've resolved our issues with Canada," Bedford told reporters after meeting with lawmakers in the U.S. Congress. "It's my understanding that Transport Canada is going to announce the certification of the Gulfstream aircraft, which have been delayed for several years."
Bedford said he expected Canada to announce the results of its certification of the jet produced by the U.S. company later this week.
A spokesman for Canada's transport minister said Tuesday that Transport Canada is continuing to work with Gulfstream and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advance certification of the business jets.
Last month, Trump posted on social media that the United States planned to decertify Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express business jets and threatened to impose a 50 per cent import tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft until Canadian regulators certify several models made by U.S. rival Gulfstream.
Trump's remarks come at a time of increasing tension between the United States and Canada.
Trump also said he planned to "decertify Canada's Bombardier Global Express aircraft and all Canadian-made aircraft" until the Gulfstream aircraft are certified.
If the threat comes to fruition, it would have a huge impact on U.S. airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which rely on Canadian-made aircraft for many of their regional routes.
Canadian officials said last month they were working to resolve the aircraft certification dispute with Trump.
Trump has since highlighted other issues with Canada. On Monday, he threatened to block the opening of a $4.7 billion bridge connecting Detroit to Canada unless Canada agrees to trade talks.