Canadian aviation regulators have approved the Gulfstream G700 and G800, a move that comes just weeks after fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump over the jets’ certification in Canada.
According to a federal database, Transport Canada certified the two long-range business jets on Monday, following approval of two older Gulfstream models earlier this month. The decision was confirmed by the transport minister’s office on Tuesday.
The timing is notable. Trump had warned last month that unless Canada approved Gulfstream aircraft, the U.S. could decertify Canadian-built planes and slap steep tariffs on them—directly targeting rival manufacturer Bombardier.
Canada’s approval comes despite unresolved icing concerns flagged by the Federal Aviation Administration, which granted conditional certification to the G700 and G800 in 2024. The FAA says Gulfstream—owned by General Dynamics—has until the end of the year to prove the jets can safely operate in conditions where ice could form in the fuel system.
Aviation experts stress the decision should remain about safety, not politics. John Gradek of McGill University says grounding aircraft over trade disputes would be highly unusual and without precedent.
For now, Ottawa’s green light keeps Canada aligned with aviation standards—while underscoring just how tense cross-border trade relations have become.
(Source: Daily Press)
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