Canadian aviation regulators have given the green light to two General Dynamics Gulfstream business aircraft models following weeks of pressure from President Donald Trump, who had criticized the lengthy approval process.
According to government documents, Transport Canada has now certified the Gulfstream G700 and G800 business jets. This development follows Trump’s public complaints about delays in the Canadian approval process for these American-manufactured aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s top official indicated earlier this month that Canada would likely announce certification for several Gulfstream business aircraft that had been waiting for approval for multiple years. Earlier reports confirmed that Canada had already certified Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 models.
Trump had previously posted on social media threatening significant trade action against Canada’s aviation sector. He warned of plans to remove certification for Bombardier Global Express business jets manufactured in Canada and proposed implementing 50% import duties on all Canadian aircraft until Transport Canada approved the American-made Gulfstream planes.
Aviation industry professionals expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing that aircraft certification decisions should be based solely on safety considerations without political interference.
International aviation regulations establish that the country where aircraft are designed and manufactured holds primary responsibility for initial safety certification through type certificates. In Gulfstream’s situation, the United States serves as the primary certifying authority since the aircraft are designed domestically.
While other nations typically accept the primary regulator’s safety determinations, they maintain authority to request additional information or decline validation of those certifications.
