Business Aviation
Gulfstream G700 Gains Brazilian Certification for Latin America Expansion
Gulfstream’s G700 receives ANAC approval, enhancing access to Brazil’s growing business aviation market with ultralong-range capabilities and premium cabin features.
The recent certification of the Gulfstream G700 by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s global footprint. As part of General Dynamics, Gulfstream has long been recognized for its innovation in the business jet market, and the G700 stands as its most advanced ultralong-range aircraft to date. With this certification, Gulfstream not only gains access to the largest economy in South America but also reinforces its position in a market increasingly leaning toward premium, long-range private aviation solutions.
This development comes at a time when demand for private and corporate aviation is rising across Latin America. The G700’s entry into the Brazilian market, coinciding with its display at the Catarina Aviation Show, underscores the strategic importance of the region. This certification follows approvals from other major aviation authorities, including the FAA in the United States, and highlights the aircraft’s compliance with international safety, performance, and environmental standards.
With a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935 and a range of approximately 7,750 nautical miles, the G700 is designed to connect distant global city pairs with speed and comfort. The aircraft’s certification in Brazil is not just a regulatory formality; it’s a signal of Gulfstream’s commitment to serving emerging markets with high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of modern business travelers.
The Gulfstream G700 is engineered to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business aviation. With a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935 and a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the aircraft ranks among the fastest in its class. These capabilities have enabled it to set over 80 city-pair speed records, including routes such as São Paulo to Seattle, showcasing its ultralong-range performance and operational flexibility.
On the inside, the G700 features the longest cabin in the industry, 56 feet (17.07 meters), with a width of 8 feet 2 inches (2.49 meters) and a height of 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters). The aircraft’s interior can be configured into five living areas, offering optional layouts such as a grand suite with a shower or an ultragalley with over 10 feet (3 meters) of counter space. These features are coupled with the Gulfstream Cabin Experience, which includes 100% fresh air, natural light from panoramic windows, and a low cabin altitude of 2,840 ft (866 m) at 41,000 ft (12,497 m) cruising altitude.
This combination of speed, range, and cabin comfort positions the G700 as a flagship model for Gulfstream, directly competing with other ultralong-range jets like the Bombardier Global 7500 and Dassault Falcon 10X. The estimated list price for the G700 is around $75 million USD, though this can vary based on customization and optional features.
“The G700 represents the pinnacle of Gulfstream’s innovation, combining the fastest speeds with the longest range and an unparalleled cabin experience.” , Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream Aerospace
Receiving type certification from ANAC is a rigorous process that involves extensive testing and validation to ensure compliance with national and international standards. The G700’s approval by Brazilian regulators follows its earlier certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2024 and reflects its adherence to stringent safety, performance, and environmental protocols.
ANAC officials emphasized that the G700 met all necessary criteria during the certification process, which included evaluations of flight performance, avionics systems, structural integrity, and emissions compliance. This certification allows Gulfstream to legally sell and operate the G700 in Brazil, opening the door to a market with growing interest in business aviation. From a strategic standpoint, certification in Brazil also enhances Gulfstream’s ability to serve clients across Latin America. As regulatory approvals accumulate across different jurisdictions, Gulfstream continues to strengthen its global presence and streamline the aircraft’s international operability.
The business aviation market in Latin America has been steadily expanding, driven by economic development, infrastructure improvements, and a growing class of high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities. Brazil, in particular, stands out as a regional hub for private aviation due to its size, geography, and economic significance.
According to industry analysts, the demand for ultralong-range jets in Latin America is increasing as businesses and individuals seek more efficient and flexible travel options. The ability to fly non-stop between major global cities reduces the need for layovers and enhances productivity, factors that are especially valuable in a region where commercial air travel can be inconsistent.
Gulfstream’s decision to showcase the G700 at the Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo aligns with this trend. The event provides a platform to engage directly with potential buyers and industry stakeholders in the region. It also signals Gulfstream’s intent to invest in local relationships and support infrastructure, which are critical for long-term success in any emerging market.
In the ultralong-range business jet segment, Gulfstream faces competition from Bombardier’s Global 7500 and Dassault’s Falcon 10X. Each of these aircraft offers unique advantages, but the G700 distinguishes itself with its combination of speed, cabin size, and technological innovation.
Gulfstream’s strategy focuses on delivering a superior customer experience through features like advanced avionics, customizable interiors, and enhanced environmental controls. The company has also been proactive in securing certifications in key markets, which helps reduce barriers to entry and builds customer confidence.
The G700’s performance metrics and comfort features are particularly appealing to customers who prioritize both efficiency and luxury. As the global economy continues to rebound and travel restrictions ease, the demand for high-performance private jets is expected to remain strong, especially among multinational corporations and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The Gulfstream G700’s certification by Brazil’s ANAC is more than a regulatory achievement; it’s a strategic victory that positions Gulfstream to capitalize on growing demand in Latin America. With its unmatched blend of speed, range, and cabin innovation, the G700 is well-suited to meet the evolving needs of business travelers in the region and beyond. Looking ahead, Gulfstream’s continued focus on innovation, customer experience, and global market access will be key to maintaining its leadership in the ultralong-range jet segment. The G700’s success in Brazil may serve as a model for similar expansions in other emerging markets, reinforcing the aircraft’s role as a cornerstone of Gulfstream’s global strategy.
What is the maximum speed of the Gulfstream G700? How far can the G700 fly? What makes the G700’s interior unique? Why is the Brazilian certification important? Sources: AviationPros, Gulfstream Aerospace, ANAC, Reuters, Teal Group, Forbes
Gulfstream G700 Achieves Brazilian Type Certification: A Strategic Milestone for Business Aviation
Performance and Design: What Sets the G700 Apart
Speed, Range, and Cabin Innovation
Certification and Compliance
Market Implications and Regional Impact
Brazil and Latin America: A Growing Market
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Conclusion
FAQ
The G700 has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935 and a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90.
The aircraft has a range of approximately 7,750 nautical miles (14,353 km) at long-range cruise speed (Mach 0.85).
The G700 features the longest cabin in its class, configurable into five living areas, with options like a grand suite with shower or an ultragalley. It also includes the Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh air and panoramic windows.
It allows Gulfstream to operate and sell the G700 in Brazil, expanding its market reach in Latin America and reinforcing compliance with international aviation standards.
Photo Credit: Gulfstream
Business Aviation
US Threatens to Decertify Bombardier Jets in Canada Trade Dispute
US plans to decertify Bombardier jets and impose tariffs on Canadian aircraft amid certification delays of Gulfstream jets in Canada.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and journalists David Shepardson and Bhargav Acharya.
In a significant escalation of trade tensions between the United States and Canada, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the U.S. intends to “decertify” Bombardier Global Express business jets. According to reporting by Reuters, the President also threatened to impose a 50% import tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft unless Transport Canada immediately certifies a range of jets produced by U.S. rival Gulfstream.
The ultimatum, delivered via the President’s Truth Social platform, explicitly links the continued operation of Canada’s flagship business jets in the U.S. to the regulatory approval of American aircraft in Canada. The President accused Canadian regulators of “wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly” blocking the entry of Gulfstream aircraft to protect Bombardier, a claim that threatens to disrupt the North American aerospace supply chain.
At the heart of the dispute is the regulatory status of Gulfstream’s latest ultra-long-range business jets. The Trump administration contends that Transport Canada has delayed the validation of type certificates for the Gulfstream G500, G600, G700, and G800 models. These aircraft are direct competitors to Bombardier’s Global 6500, 7500, and 8000 series jets.
According to industry data, the Gulfstream G500 and G600 received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and are in service globally. However, they lack the necessary Canadian validation to be sold to Canadian customers. The administration views this delay not as a standard regulatory process, but as a non-tariff trade barrier designed to shield Bombardier’s domestic market share.
“The U.S. was decertifying Bombardier Global Express business jets… until the country certified a number of planes produced by U.S. rival Gulfstream.”
, Summary of remarks via Reuters
The threat to “decertify” the Global Express series is unprecedented in modern aviation. The United States is the world’s largest market for business jets, and a revocation of the type certificate would effectively ground U.S.-registered Global Express aircraft and halt new deliveries. This would likely devastate Bombardier’s revenue, as the Global 7500 and 8000 are the company’s marquee products.
While the dispute originated in the business aviation sector, the President’s threat extends to “any and all aircraft sold into the United States from Canada.” This broad phrasing implicates the commercial aviation sector, specifically the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier CSeries). The Airbus A220 is assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, as well as Mobile, Alabama. A 50% tariff on Canadian-made airframes or components could have severe consequences for U.S. carriers. Major operators such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Breeze Airways rely heavily on the A220 for their domestic networks. In previous trade disputes, Delta has warned that tariffs on these aircraft would reduce capacity and increase costs for American travelers.
The Feasibility of Executive Decertification
President Trump’s threat to unilaterally “decertify” an aircraft raises significant legal and technical questions. Aircraft certification is a rigorous technical process governed by the FAA, based strictly on safety data and engineering standards. Historically, decertification, such as the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, is reserved for clear safety failures.
We assess that using certification revocation as an economic lever would likely face immediate challenges in U.S. federal court. While the President has broad authority to impose tariffs under Section 232 (national security) or Section 301 (unfair trade practices), ordering the FAA to revoke a safety certificate for political reasons would compromise the agency’s independence and global standing. However, the mere threat may be sufficient to freeze sales and force diplomatic concessions.
This aerospace dispute occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Washington and Ottawa. Tensions have spiked since Mark Carney assumed the role of Prime Minister of Canada in March 2025. Following a speech by PM Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month, where he declared the “old world order is dead”, President Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join a U.S.-led “Board of Peace.”
The President has previously threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods regarding trade deals with China. This latest move against the aerospace sector appears to be a continuation of a strategy to apply maximum economic pressure on the Carney administration.
What does “decertifying” an aircraft mean?
Decertification means the FAA revokes the “Type Certificate” that allows an aircraft model to fly legally in U.S. airspace. If enacted, U.S. operators would be unable to fly their Bombardier Global Express jets. Which Gulfstream jets are involved?
The dispute centers on the Gulfstream G500, G600, G700, and G800. The U.S. claims Canada is delaying their certification to protect Bombardier.
Will this affect commercial airline passengers?
Potentially. If the 50% tariff applies to “all aircraft,” it could impact the Airbus A220 fleets flown by Delta, JetBlue, and Breeze, potentially leading to higher fares or schedule disruptions.
Trump Threatens to Decertify Bombardier Jets in Escalating Trade Dispute
The Certification Standoff
Impact on Business Aviation
“All Aircraft” and Commercial Fallout
AirPro News Analysis
Political Context: Trump vs. Carney
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Drew Angerer – Montage
Business Aviation
Honda Aircraft Appoints Straight Flight as New Authorized Service Center
Honda Aircraft Company designates Straight Flight at Centennial Airport as new Authorized Service Center for the Northwest region, enhancing HondaJet support.
This article is based on an official press release from Honda Aircraft Company.
Manufacturers Honda Aircraft Company has officially designated Straight Flight as its newest Authorized Service Center (ASC) for the HondaJet program. According to an announcement from the manufacturer, the partnership became effective on January 25, 2026. Based at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver, Colorado, Straight Flight will now serve as the primary service provider for the Northwest region, specifically covering Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
This strategic appointment marks a transition in the region’s support network. The manufacturer noted that this new agreement replaces the previous authorized service provider, Elevate Aviation Group, whose contract with Honda Aircraft Company concluded in January 2026. The addition of Straight Flight brings the manufacturer’s global service network to 21 facilities worldwide.
The selection of Straight Flight places HondaJet support at one of the busiest general aviation hubs in the United States. By establishing this partnership at Centennial Airport, Honda Aircraft Company aims to provide a central, high-traffic location for operators in the Rocky Mountain region. The company stated that this move is designed to ensure seamless coverage for the growing fleet of HondaJet aircraft, including the Elite II model.
Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company, emphasized the importance of this partnership in a statement regarding the announcement:
“We are excited to be partnering with such an experienced and capable maintenance group to support our growing HondaJet fleet. We are confident that this move will serve to strengthen our global service network and enhance the HondaJet customer experience. We look forward to working with Straight Flight for many years to come.”
The transition from Elevate Aviation Group to Straight Flight suggests a focus on deep technical capabilities for the Northwest region. While routine maintenance is standard for all ASCs, Straight Flight’s specific reputation for heavy structural repair and composite work, capabilities honed over three decades, adds significant value to the network. For HondaJet owners in the Mountain West, having access to a facility at KAPA with extensive back-shop support reduces the logistical burden of flying to the West Coast or Midwest for complex maintenance events.
Straight Flight brings over 30 years of aviation maintenance experience to the HondaJet network. According to the facility details provided in the announcement, the company operates a substantial infrastructure at Centennial Airport tailored to heavy maintenance and specialized repairs.
The facility includes: As an FAA and EASA Part 145-Certified Repair Station, Straight Flight is authorized to perform major structural repairs, composite repairs, and avionics installations. These capabilities align with Honda Aircraft’s strategy to bolster support for its expanding fleet, ensuring that operators have access to comprehensive technical services within their operating region.
Honda Aircraft Company Appoints Straight Flight as New Authorized Service Center
Strengthening the Northwest Service Network
AirPro News analysis
Operational Capabilities and Infrastructure
Sources
Photo Credit: Honda Aircraft
Business Aviation
Wheels Up Unifies Brand and Launches Concierge Service Model
Wheels Up consolidates US private aviation services under one brand and introduces a concierge-level customer engagement model aligned with Delta Air Lines.
This article is based on an official press release from Wheels Up.
On January 27, 2026, Wheels Up Experience Inc. announced a comprehensive restructuring of its customer engagement strategy, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing turnaround efforts. The Private-Jets provider is unifying its various service offerings, including membership, ad-hoc charter, and group charter, under a single Wheels Up brand within the United States. Concurrently, the company is introducing a new “concierge-level” service model designed to mirror the sales structure of its largest shareholder, Delta Air Lines.
According to the company’s announcement, this strategic shift aims to eliminate fragmentation in the customer journey. By retiring the Air Partner brand for U.S. private jet operations and consolidating teams, Wheels Up intends to provide a seamless entry point for all flyers, regardless of whether they are programmatic members or occasional charter clients.
“These go-to-market changes are designed to deliver a more seamless and personalized experience while leveraging the full breadth of our industry-first aviation solutions platform. By unifying our global membership and charter sales teams and our customer service functions, we will provide a consistent experience throughout the customer journey.”
George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up
A central component of this restructuring involves the integration of Air Partner, the global aviation services group Wheels Up acquired in April 2022 for approximately $107 million. Until now, Air Partner operated as a distinct entity, primarily handling ad-hoc charter brokering and group travel. Under the new strategy, Air Partner’s U.S. private jet and group charter operations will move strictly under the Wheels Up banner.
The company noted that the Air Partner brand will not disappear entirely; it will be retained for cargo services and operations outside the United States, with international alignment expected to follow in the coming months. Mark Briffa, Chief Sales Officer at Wheels Up and former CEO of Air Partner, emphasized that the move leverages Air Partner’s historical strengths within a unified platform.
“Bringing our teams together under one platform and one brand allows us to build on Air Partner’s over 65 years of heritage… while delivering more connected, coordinated, and comprehensive solutions for customers.”
Mark Briffa, Chief Sales Officer, Wheels Up
The operational overhaul introduces a “concierge-level customer engagement model” that replaces general call centers with dedicated, regionally focused teams. According to the press release, clients will now be paired with specific “squads” responsible for the entire lifecycle of their travel, from initial booking to trip execution. This structure is explicitly modeled after Delta Air Lines’ global sales organization. By aligning its sales teams geographically and by industry sector, Wheels Up aims to facilitate “co-location” with Delta’s corporate sales teams. This alignment is intended to streamline cross-selling, allowing the two companies to jointly pitch corporate accounts on a hybrid travel solution that combines commercial flights with private aviation for “last mile” connectivity.
While dedicated account management is a staple of private aviation for fractional owners, such as those at NetJets or VistaJet, Wheels Up’s application of this model to ad-hoc charter flyers represents a notable shift in strategy. Historically, the industry has bifurcated service levels: card members receive high-touch care, while one-off charter flyers receive transactional support.
By extending “concierge” treatment to ad-hoc customers, Wheels Up appears to be targeting the fragmented charter market aggressively. This move suggests a Strategy to incubate occasional flyers into long-term members by demonstrating service consistency before a membership commitment is made. Furthermore, the standardization of the fleet, transitioning to Embraer Phenom 300 and Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft, supports this service promise by reducing the variability often associated with floating fleets.
This announcement arrives as Wheels Up continues to execute a multi-year turnaround plan under CEO George Mattson. In its Q3 2025 financial results, released in November 2025, the company reported a net loss of $83.7 million. However, the report also highlighted improved contribution margins and a forecast for positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2025.
The unification of the brand and the streamlining of sales teams are likely aimed at reducing operational overhead while maximizing the revenue potential of the Delta partnership. As the company approaches its Q4 and Full Year 2025 reporting date in March 2026, these structural changes will be scrutinized as key indicators of the company’s path toward sustainable profitability.
Wheels Up Unifies Brand and Launches Concierge Service Model
Consolidating the Air Partner Legacy
The “Squad” Model and Delta Alignment
AirPro News Analysis: Elevating the Ad-Hoc Flyer
Financial Context and Turnaround Progress
Sources
Photo Credit: Wheels Up
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