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Delta Opposes Trump Administration’s Proposed Aircraft Tariffs

Delta Air Lines Opposes Proposed Aircraft Tariffs by Trump Administration
Potential Disruptions to Fleet and Operations
ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines has expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on imported commercial aircraft and parts, cautioning that such measures could severely disrupt its fleet procurement and maintenance operations. In a formal response to a federal investigation, Delta warned that imposing Section 232 tariffs would compel the airline to suspend current orders and halt future purchases of foreign-made aircraft, particularly those manufactured by Airbus.
The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated a Section 232 national security investigation on May 1, 2025, to assess whether imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related components pose a threat to national security. Delta, through its legal representatives, submitted public comments highlighting that the proposed tariffs would retroactively affect longstanding contracts for aircraft acquisitions. The airline emphasized that these actions could lead to cancellations of orders from Airbus facilities in Canada, Germany, and France, potentially disrupting service for approximately 10 million customers annually if deliveries are delayed or halted.
Delta also underscored that domestically produced aircraft might be indirectly impacted due to increased costs and supply chain complications. Given that aircraft purchases are typically negotiated years in advance, the sudden imposition of tariffs would impose unexpected financial burdens, placing U.S. carriers at a competitive disadvantage on the global stage. The airline industry is already contending with rising operational expenses, worsening supply chain challenges, and weakening demand—issues particularly pronounced in North America. While most U.S. airlines have lowered or withheld their annual forecasts amid these uncertainties, European carriers maintain a more optimistic outlook.
Impact on Maintenance and Industry Response
The airline further warned that tariffs would undermine investments in skilled labor, especially within maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Delta operates major MRO hubs across the United States and depends on timely access to parts and aircraft from international suppliers to support its fleet modernization efforts. Between 2023 and 2024, Delta accepted 47 Airbus aircraft manufactured overseas; future deliveries of a similar nature could be jeopardized if tariffs are enacted, impairing the airline’s ability to efficiently serve U.S. routes with a competitive, fuel-efficient fleet.
During an April earnings call, Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged the risks posed by the tariffs, indicating that the airline might defer aircraft deliveries if the tariffs are implemented. Such delays could have cascading effects on flight schedules and negatively impact the customer experience.
Industry leaders presented a divided stance at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Annual General Meeting, with many expressing concerns about the broader economic consequences of the proposed tariffs and the potential for retaliatory actions against U.S. airlines.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding U.S. national and economic security through the Section 232 investigation. Desai noted that any policy decisions would ultimately be announced by the President. The Commerce Department has yet to provide further details or a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion.
The aviation sector remains closely attentive to the outcome of this investigation, which could fundamentally alter aircraft procurement practices and have significant implications for both U.S. and global carriers.

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