Canadian regulators have approved Gulfstream’s newest business aircraft, following concerns raised by the U.S. President about potential tariffs on Canadian-made planes. Transport Canada has granted certification to Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 jets, along with two older models, despite issues highlighted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regarding de-icing. The FAA has given Gulfstream until the end of the year to demonstrate the planes’ ability to operate safely under icy conditions in the fuel system.
President Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs and decertify Canadian-made planes, specifically targeting the Gulfstream luxury aircraft. However, the responsibility for certifying aircraft typically lies with the FAA rather than the Oval Office. Historically, aircraft groundings have been related to safety concerns, such as the Boeing 737 Max 8 incidents that led to a global ban.
Gulfstream, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, is in direct competition with Bombardier in the aircraft market. Bombardier, a major Canadian aerospace manufacturer, has a significant presence in the United States, employing thousands of workers and utilizing numerous American suppliers. The aerospace trade between the two countries heavily favors the U.S., unlike other sectors where trade imbalances have been a point of contention. Canadian aircraft production includes various models from Bombardier, Airbus, and Bell Textron, among others.