Canada finally certifies Gulfstream's G500 and G600 after months of delays

Canada has officially certified Gulfstream's G500 and G600 business jets. The approval came on 15 February, ending months of uncertainty. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had warned of potential decertification for Canadian-built planes if the process faced further delays.

The certification followed a prolonged review by Transport Canada. While the agency did not publicly outline specific technical or safety concerns, industry sources pointed to unresolved compliance demonstrations for the fuel icing prevention system. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had granted Gulfstream a three-year exemption from full fuel icing certification in early 2024, but Canadian regulators reportedly insisted on complete documentation rather than accepting the FAA's limited waiver.

Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly acknowledged that the certification requirements were 'exceptionally new' but stated the process was 'already far advanced.' She did not highlight any particular technical shortcomings. Meanwhile, discussions over the certification of Gulfstream's larger G700 and G800 models remain ongoing, with potential de-icing issues still under review.

The G500 and G600 can now operate in Canada without restrictions. The decision removes a trade dispute risk that had loomed since Trump's earlier threats. However, the certification of the G700 and G800 continues to face scrutiny over de-icing compliance.