Bombardier defends US manufacturing amid Trump’s aviation sales threat

Bombardier has pushed back against United States President Donald Trump’s threat to block sales of its aircraft if it doesn’t start building planes in the US, saying it already does.

In a statement provided to Al Jazeera on Tuesday, the Quebec-based aircraft manufacturer said it employs thousands of workers throughout the US.

“Bombardier aircraft are built with American-made components such as engines, avionics, and many more key systems provided by great American companies,” the aircraft maker said in a statement.

Trump took to Truth Social on Monday, criticising the Canadian company for making 50 percent of its revenue in the US and living off “American Buyers, American Companies, American Airports, and American Service”.

“NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES! Their products aren’t good enough!” Trump wrote. “If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank’.”

Bombardier, which employs 3,500 people in the US, pointed out that it builds its products in the country, including wings made in the state of Texas and flight control components made in California.

The company also highlighted that it works with suppliers in 47 states, plans to open a new service centre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has existing service centres in Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Florida and Connecticut, noting that it spends $2.5bn on suppliers each year.

“Bombardier values its great partnership with American companies and its US employees. Our plan is to continue to invest in our people, our customers, and the communities in which we operate across the country,” the company said.