Canadian regulators have officially approved Gulfstream’s newest business jets, following a recent threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on these aircraft in Canada. Transport Canada granted certification for Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 jets, as well as two older models, just days after Trump’s warning last month. The approval comes despite concerns raised by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding de-icing issues with the G700 and G800 jets, which were conditionally certified in 2024.
The FAA has mandated that Gulfstream, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, must demonstrate by the end of this year that the two jet types can operate safely in conditions where ice may form in the fuel system. Trump’s threat to decertify Canadian-made planes sparked tensions between the two countries, although experts doubted his ability to carry out such actions, as plane certifications typically fall under the jurisdiction of the FAA.
Historically, aircraft groundings by regulators have been based on safety concerns, as seen with the Boeing 737 Max 8 grounding following fatal crashes. The aviation industry faced significant disruptions during the grounding, emphasizing the critical role of safety regulations in ensuring passenger well-being.
In response to Trump’s tariff threats, Bombardier and Gulfstream, major competitors, have been caught in the crossfire. Bombardier, a significant employer with a vast U.S. presence and supply chain, has emphasized its strong ties to the American economy. The aerospace trade dynamics between the U.S. and Canada differ from other sectors, with the U.S. holding a trade surplus in aerospace products.
Canada’s aircraft manufacturing sector includes a variety of products, such as Bombardier luxury jets, De Havilland Canada aircraft, Airbus A220 jets, and helicopters from Bell Textron. The approval of Gulfstream’s latest jets by Transport Canada signals a resolution to the recent trade tensions surrounding these aircraft models.