Business Aviation
Transport Canada Certifies Gulfstream G500 and G600 Jets in 2026
Transport Canada approved Gulfstream G500 and G600 jets amid trade tensions, while G700 and G800 models await certification over safety concerns.
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.
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certification Amidst Political Pressure
The Irony of the Engine Supply Chain
The Sticking Point: G700 and G800 Delays
AirPro News Analysis
Aircraft Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the G700 and G800 not certified?
What was the political threat involving these jets?
Are these jets completely American-made?
Sources
Photo Credit: Gulfstream