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