Canada certifies Gulfstream G500 and G600 after Trump trade threat

Transport Canada has certified the Gulfstream G500 and G600 business jets, according to a government document, following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over delays in approving the aircraft.

The Canadian type certificate data sheet dated February 15 shows that the two large-cabin business jets have been validated for operation in Canada. The approvals had not been widely publicized before.

Earlier this month, the head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said he expected Canada would soon move forward with certification of several Gulfstream aircraft that had faced prolonged review.

The development follows a January social media post by Trump in which he threatened to revoke U.S. certification of Canadian-built Bombardier Global Express business jets and impose 50% import tariffs on aircraft manufactured in Canada. He said the measures would remain in place unless Canada approved a number of Gulfstream models.

Two additional Gulfstream aircraft, the ultra-long-range G700 and G800, are still awaiting Canadian certification.

Under international aviation rules, the country where an aircraft is designed is responsible for primary type certification. In the case of Gulfstream jets, that authority rests with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which validates the aircraft’s design and compliance with safety standards.

Other national regulators, including Transport Canada, typically validate the original certification but retain the authority to request additional information or decline approval.

The episode drew concern from aviation specialists, who said aircraft certification decisions are meant to be based on technical and safety assessments rather than trade or political considerations.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »