This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.

Transport Canada Certifies Gulfstream G700 and G800, De-escalating Trade Dispute

Transport Canada has officially certified the Gulfstream G700 and G800 business jets, a regulatory milestone that appears to resolve a tense diplomatic standoff between the United States and Canada. According to reporting by Reuters on February 24, 2026, the approval comes just one week after the agency certified the smaller G500 and G600 models, completing the approval process for the American manufacturer’s latest fleet.

The certification follows a period of heightened rhetoric initiated in late January 2026, when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened significant economic retaliation against the Canadian aerospace sector. As detailed in the source reporting, the President accused Canadian regulators of stalling the approvals to protect domestic manufacturer Bombardier, a claim that technical experts disputed.

The “Trump Spat” and Trade Threats

The regulatory process became a flashpoint for international trade relations on January 29, 2026. According to public posts on Truth Social cited in the reports, President Trump issued an ultimatum to the Canadian government regarding the delayed certifications.

The President threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian-made Commercial-Aircraft sold in the United States and to “decertify” Bombardier Global Express jets if the Gulfstream models were not approved immediately. The administration framed the delay as a protectionist maneuver designed to shield Montreal-based Bombardier from competition in the ultra-long-range business jet market.

“I think we’ve resolved the issues with Canada… My understanding is Transport Canada will announce the Gulfstream certifications that have been delayed for years.”

, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, speaking to reporters on Feb 11, 2026

Technical Context: The Icing Dispute

While the political narrative focused on protectionism, regulatory documents indicate the delays were rooted in technical disagreements regarding safety standards for cold-weather operations. Reuters and industry analysis highlight that the core issue involved fuel system icing regulations.

The FAA Exemption vs. Canadian Standards

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously granted Gulfstream a time-limited waiver, known as Exemption No. 21744. This allowed the aircraft to operate while the manufacturer completed full-scale icing tests, with the exemption set to expire at the end of 2026.

Transport Canada, however, initially declined to accept this exemption. Given the severe winter conditions common in Canadian airspace, regulators in Ottawa required stricter immediate proof that the aircraft’s fuel systems could handle extreme cold without icing issues. The final certification suggests a compromise was reached, likely involving specific operational limitations or accelerated testing commitments from Gulfstream.

AirPro News Analysis

The resolution of this dispute highlights the fragile boundary between technical safety regulation and geopolitical leverage. While the threat of tariffs was economically credible, industry experts have cast doubt on the legality of the President’s threat to “decertify” Bombardier jets.

Aviation analysts, including Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory, have noted that airworthiness certification is governed by strict international treaties and safety data, not executive decree. Unilaterally revoking a valid safety certificate for economic reasons would likely violate international aviation agreements and damage the FAA’s standing as a neutral safety arbiter. However, the swift certification following the threats suggests that economic pressure may have accelerated the resolution of the technical disagreements.

Market Implications

The approval of the G700 and G800 opens the Canadian market to Gulfstream’s flagship products, which compete directly with Bombardier’s Global 7500 and Global 8000. The business jet sector remains a multi-billion dollar industry where the U.S. market is critical for Canadian Manufacturers.

Bombardier CEO Éric Martel maintained a neutral stance throughout the dispute, emphasizing in public remarks that the issue was strictly a regulatory matter between Transport Canada, the FAA, and Gulfstream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Gulfstream models are now certified in Canada?
As of February 24, 2026, the G500, G600, G700, and G800 have all received certification from Transport Canada.

What was the specific technical hurdle?
The primary delay concerned fuel system icing. The FAA allowed a temporary exemption for testing, while Transport Canada initially demanded stricter compliance for cold-weather safety.

Are the tariffs still going into effect?
With the certifications granted, the conditions for the threatened 50% tariffs and decertification of Canadian jets appear to have been met, effectively ending the standoff.

Sources

• Reuters
• Transport Canada
• FAA

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.

Transport Canada has officially granted type certification to the Gulfstream G500 and G600 business jets, a move that comes amidst heightened trade tensions between the United States and Canada. According to government documents reviewed by Reuters and released on February 20, 2026, the regulatory approval was finalized on February 15, 2026.

The certification marks a significant step in resolving a diplomatic standoff sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously criticized the Canadian regulator for delaying approvals of the American-made private jets. The approval allows the G500 and G600, both large-cabin, long-range jets, to be registered and operated by Canadian customers.

However, the regulatory process is not entirely complete for the manufacturer. While the G500 and G600 have been cleared, Gulfstream’s flagship G700 and G800 models remain uncertified in Canada due to outstanding technical concerns regarding fuel system icing, highlighting a lingering divergence between American and Canadian safety protocols.

Certification Amidst Political Pressure

The approval of these aircraft occurs against a backdrop of significant political pressure. In late January 2026, President Trump issued an ultimatum to Canadian officials, threatening to “decertify” Canadian-built aircraft, specifically targeting Bombardier Global Express jets, and impose 50% tariffs on Canadian aviation imports if the Gulfstream approvals were not granted.

According to reporting by Reuters, the newly released Type Certificate Data Sheet confirms that the G500 and G600 met Canadian standards as of mid-February. This timing aligns with expectations set by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, who stated earlier this month that he anticipated a resolution.

“The government is still discussing the certification of other aircraft with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.”

— Transport Minister’s Office (Canada), via Reuters

The Irony of the Engine Supply Chain

Industry observers have noted a distinct irony in the delay of these specific models. Both the Gulfstream G500 and G600 are powered by PW800 series engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada. The G500 utilizes the PW814GA, while the G600 uses the PW815GA. Consequently, the regulatory standoff effectively delayed the entry of aircraft that rely heavily on Canadian aerospace manufacturing and supply chains.

The Sticking Point: G700 and G800 Delays

While the G500 and G600 are now cleared for Canadian skies, the larger G700 and G800 models have not yet received the same approval. Research indicates that the primary obstacle is a technical disagreement regarding fuel system icing regulations.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Gulfstream a time-limited exemption (Exemption No. 21744) for these models, allowing deliveries to proceed in the United States while a permanent fix is developed. In contrast, Transport Canada has historically refused to accept time-limited exemptions for safety-critical systems without equivalent safety findings. The Canadian regulator is requiring Gulfstream to demonstrate full compliance before granting certification.

AirPro News Analysis

The divergence between the FAA and Transport Canada regarding the G700 and G800 illustrates a fundamental difference in regulatory philosophy. The FAA’s willingness to use exemptions to facilitate commerce, provided safety is not critically compromised, contrasts with Transport Canada’s stricter adherence to prerequisite compliance. While the certification of the G500 and G600 de-escalates the immediate threat of tariffs, the unresolved status of the flagship models leaves a potential flashpoint open for future trade friction.

Aircraft Specifications

The newly certified jets are among the most advanced in the business aviation sector. Below are the key specifications for the approved models, based on manufacturer data and regulatory filings.

• Gulfstream G500:
  • Range: 5,300 nm (9,816 km)
  • Max Speed: Mach 0.925
  • Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA
  • Thrust: 15,144 lb
• Gulfstream G600:
  • Range: 6,600 nm (12,223 km)
  • Max Speed: Mach 0.925
  • Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815GA
  • Thrust: 15,680 lb

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the G700 and G800 not certified?

Transport Canada has flagged concerns regarding fuel system icing. Unlike the FAA, which granted a temporary exemption to allow operations, Canadian regulators are requiring full compliance with safety standards before issuing a type certificate.

What was the political threat involving these jets?

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian aviation imports and decertify Canadian aircraft if Transport Canada did not approve the Gulfstream jets, characterizing the delay as wrongful.

Are these jets completely American-made?

While Gulfstream is a U.S. manufacturer based in Savannah, Georgia, the engines for the G500 and G600 are manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada, a major aerospace company with operations in Quebec and Ontario.

Sources

• Reuters
• Transport Canada
• Pratt & Whitney Canada

Flyhouse Enters Brazil via Strategic Partnerships with TAM Aviação Executiva

In a significant move to digitize the Latin American charter market, US-based technology company Flyhouse has announced a strategic partnership with TAM Aviação Executiva, Brazil’s leading executive aviation sales and service provider. According to reporting by Private-Jets Card Comparisons, the deal, announced on February 18, 2026, integrates TAM’s extensive fleet and managed aircraft into the Flyhouse app-based booking platform.

This collaboration marks Flyhouse’s official entry into Brazil, the world’s second-largest business aviation market. By leveraging TAM’s sixty years of operational infrastructure, Flyhouse aims to introduce its dynamic pricing engine and proprietary safety protocols to a sector historically dominated by traditional broker-operator relationships and the digital incumbent, Flapper.

Digitizing a Legacy Infrastructure

The partnership combines two distinct business models: the “tech-forward” marketplace approach of Flyhouse and the physical assets of TAM Aviação Executiva. Under the agreement, TAM will list its charter fleet and third-party managed aircraft on the Flyhouse app and web portal. This allows users to book flights instantly, bypassing the manual negotiation processes often associated with legacy chartering.

According to the report, Flyhouse provides the technology layer, including the booking interface and safety vetting framework, while TAM handles local regulatory compliance, aircraft maintenance, and flight operations. This structure allows Flyhouse to operate effectively in Brazil without navigating the complex process of obtaining a domestic Air Operator Certificate (AOC), relying instead on TAM’s existing certifications under ANAC regulations.

Executive Perspectives

Both companies have positioned the deal as a modernization effort for the region. Jack Lambert, CEO of Flyhouse, emphasized the synergy between technology and operational experience.

“By pairing FlyHouse’s technology… with TAM’s longstanding experience… we’re creating a platform that benefits operators, aircraft owners, and travelers.”

Jack Lambert, via Private Jet Card Comparisons

Leonardo Fiuza, CEO of TAM Aviação Executiva, noted that the local market has been anticipating this shift.

“FlyHouse brings a modern charter platform that operators in Brazil have been asking for.”

Leonardo Fiuza, via Private Jet Card Comparisons

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Introducing the “Safety Seal” to Brazil

A central component of this expansion is the introduction of the “Flyhouse Safety Seal.” Unlike standard industry audits that often focus heavily on technical checklists, Flyhouse describes its vetting process as a “Culture and Safety Assessment” (CASA). The protocol evaluates 45 distinct indicators related to an operator’s safety culture, risk management, and decision-making processes.

By implementing this standard, the partners aim to establish a “trusted tier” of operators within Brazil’s fragmented charter market. This move is designed to appeal to international and corporate clients who prioritize stringent risk mitigation over price alone.

AirPro News Analysis

The Battle for the Brazilian Digital Market

We view this partnership as a direct challenge to Flapper, the current dominant digital player in Latin America. Flapper has spent nearly a decade building a “Uber for private jets” model in the region, recently expanding into fractional ownership. Flyhouse’s entry suggests that the market is maturing enough to support competition, particularly at the premium end of the spectrum.

The decision to partner with TAM, a legacy giant with deep ties to Textron Aviation and Bell Helicopters, provides Flyhouse with instant credibility that a standalone market entry would lack. In a market like Brazil, where personal relationships and trust are paramount, TAM’s endorsement may prove as valuable as the technology itself. However, displacing an incumbent like Flapper, which boasts over 30,000 clients, will require more than just a partnership; it will require flawless execution of the user experience and consistent inventory availability.

Market Context and Outlook

The timing of the announcement coincides with a favorable economic outlook for Brazil in 2026. With interest rates falling and GDP growth forecast at approximately 2.5%, discretionary spending by High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) is projected to rise. The luxury travel market in Brazil is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3%, driven by a demographic that increasingly values privacy and efficiency.

Flyhouse’s strategy appears to capitalize on this “monetary inflection point,” positioning its services to capture the expected increase in charter demand. By offering transparency in pricing, a core tenet of its US business model, Flyhouse attempts to differentiate itself in a market where broker markups have traditionally been opaque.

Sources

Sources: Private Jet Card Comparisons