Trump drops Bombardier U.S. sales ban threat, citing Kansas jobs

A workforce spread across two countries

Bombardier has roughly 18,000 employees worldwide, CP reported in September 2026, about 3,500 of them in the U.S. Approximately 1,500 work in Wichita, home to the company’s U.S. headquarters and defence division – a figure reported by CP and cited by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly this month. Marshall’s September figure of more than 1,200 Kansas jobs predates that update.

In Canada, the company completes final assembly of its Challenger and Global jets, while U.S. customers generate more than half of its revenue, according to CP. In September 2026, Bombardier agreed to buy MHI Canada Aerospace’s Mississauga, Ont., plant, a deal that would bring about 750 Mitsubishi employees into its workforce once approved.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union Canada) warned Prime Minister Mark Carney in a January 2026 letter that Trump’s earlier aircraft threats would harm aerospace workers on both sides of the border.

What the reversal means for HR leaders

Bombardier’s Sept. 7 statement said it works with approximately 2,800 American suppliers across 47 states and spends more than US$2.5 billion with them annually. Analysts told CP that most of its aircraft contain at least 40% U.S. content.

“Our recently announced investments and newly inaugurated North American Learning Center will support high-skilled jobs for many years to come,” a Bombardier spokesperson told CBC News on Tuesday, referring to its new Wichita training centre for technicians and mechanics.