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

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer and additional industry data.

Embraer Phenom 300 Series Secures Title as World’s Best-Selling Light Jet for 14th Consecutive Year

On February 18, 2026, Embraer announced that its Phenom 300 series has once again claimed the top spot as the world’s best-selling light jet. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) 2025 year-end shipment report, this marks the 14th consecutive year the aircraft has led its category. Additionally, the Phenom 300 retained its status as the most delivered twin-engine jet for the sixth year in a row.

The Brazilian aerospace manufacturer reported 72 deliveries of the Phenom 300 series in 2025, a figure that represents the program’s highest annual delivery volume of the current decade. With a global fleet now exceeding 900 aircraft operating in 70 countries, the platform continues to demonstrate sustained appeal among owner-operators and corporate flight departments alike.

Market Dominance by the Numbers

The latest data from GAMA underscores the significant gap between the Phenom 300 and its competitors. Embraer’s delivery of 72 units in 2025 highlights a robust production capability and strong market demand. The fleet has accumulated over 2.9 million flight hours, a metric that reinforces the aircraft’s reliability and high utilization rates.

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, attributed the aircraft’s longevity at the top of the charts to its focus on customer priorities.

“The Phenom 300E continues to dominate the light jet category because it delivers what customers value most: unmatched performance, advanced technology, and an exceptional ownership experience. Year after year, the Phenom 300E remains the benchmark in its class, reinforcing its leadership position and the trust our customers place in our brand.”

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets

Performance and Technological Edge

The current production version, the Phenom 300E, maintains its lead through a combination of speed, range, and avionics sophistication. It remains the fastest light jet in production, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 0.80. With a range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) carrying five occupants and NBAA IFR reserves, the aircraft can perform nonstop missions such as Miami to New York or London to Athens.

According to Embraer, the aircraft’s single-pilot certification is a critical selling point, offering operators lower operating costs and greater scheduling flexibility. Safety innovations also play a major role in its market positioning; the Phenom 300 was the first business jet to certify a Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). Recent updates to the Garmin G3000-based Prodigy Touch flight deck, including autothrottle functionality, have further reduced pilot workload.

AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape

While Embraer celebrates another year of leadership, the broader light jet market faced distinct challenges and shifts in 2025. Industry data indicates that while the Phenom 300 surged, key rivals encountered headwinds.

The Pilatus PC-24, often cited as a versatile competitor due to its rough-field capabilities, saw its delivery numbers impacted by trade policy. In late 2025, the U.S. government imposed 39% tariffs on Swiss goods, which forced a temporary halt in deliveries to the United States, Pilatus’s largest market. This geopolitical factor likely widened the delivery gap between the PC-24 and the Phenom 300 for the reporting period.

Meanwhile, the HondaJet Elite II continues to ramp up production but remains a lower-volume player. Industry projections for 2025 placed HondaJet deliveries in the range of 14 to 15 units, significantly trailing Embraer’s 72 units. Textron Aviation remains the most direct threat with its Cessna Citation series. The announcement of “Gen3” updates for the CJ3 and CJ4, featuring new autothrottles and emergency autoland systems expected in 2026 and 2027, suggests that Embraer will face tighter competition in the near future.

Operational Footprint and Support

To support the growing fleet of over 900 aircraft, Embraer has invested heavily in its support network. The company has aggressively expanded its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capacity in key U.S. hubs like Texas and Florida. This strategy aims to maintain high dispatch reliability and customer loyalty, ensuring that the ownership experience matches the aircraft’s performance metrics.

With an estimated list price of approximately $11–$13 million depending on configuration, the Phenom 300E continues to command a premium position in the light jet sector. As the market moves into 2026, the focus will likely shift to how competitors respond to Embraer’s dominance and whether supply chain stabilizations allow rivals to close the delivery gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Phenom 300 jets were delivered in 2025?

Embraer delivered 72 Phenom 300 series aircraft in 2025, the highest annual volume for the program this decade.

What is the range of the Phenom 300E?

The aircraft has a range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with five occupants and NBAA IFR reserves.

Is the Phenom 300 single-pilot certified?

Yes, the Phenom 300 series is certified for single-pilot operations, which is a key factor in its popularity among owner-operators.

Sources: Embraer Press Release, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)