A swift decision by Canadian authorities has cleared the way for Gulfstream business jets to be sold within the country, coming less than a month after a pointed threat from the U.S. President regarding potential tariffs.
Transport Canada officially certified Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 models on Monday, quickly following approval of two earlier Gulfstream designs just eight days prior. This move significantly expands the presence of a key competitor to Bombardier Inc. within the Canadian market.
The approvals followed a warning issued last month, where the U.S. President indicated he would impose tariffs and potentially decertify all Canadian-made aircraft unless these four Gulfstream jets received the green light. This escalated existing trade tensions between the two nations, placing Canada in a difficult position.
Notably, the Canadian certification occurred despite lingering safety concerns raised by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA has granted conditional certification to the G700 and G800, acknowledging potential issues with ice formation within the fuel system.
Gulfstream, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been given until the end of the year to demonstrate that both aircraft models operate reliably even under conditions where fuel system icing is possible. This temporary exemption highlights the ongoing scrutiny of these aircraft.
The timing of the approvals has prompted questions about potential political influence over Canadian regulators. Experts are debating whether Transport Canada yielded to external pressure to expedite the certification process.
“It’s a dangerous precedent if we compromise safety standards or cut corners in response to demands from another government,” stated Richard Leblanc, a professor specializing in governance and ethics. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon firmly denied any impropriety, asserting that he does not intervene in aircraft certification. He underscored Canada’s commitment to rigorous safety standards, emphasizing close collaboration with both the FAA and European regulators.
MacKinnon expressed pride in Canada’s exacting standards, stating that officials consistently prioritize public safety. He maintained that the certification process was conducted appropriately and in line with established protocols.
