Delta & Aircraft Tariffs: National Security Concerns
- Delta Air Lines is lobbying the federal government to refrain from imposing new tariffs on imported commercial aircraft, jet engines, and component parts.
- In a statement, Delta warned that tariffs implemented without an adjustment period could threaten aircraft manufacturing in the United states and hinder Delta's ability to purchase planes.
- Delta noted it accepted 47 Airbus planes manufactured in Canada, Germany, or France in 2023 and 2024.
Delta Air Lines Opposes Tariffs on Imported Aircraft Parts
Delta Air Lines is lobbying the federal government to refrain from imposing new tariffs on imported commercial aircraft, jet engines, and component parts. The airline argues that such tariffs would jeopardize U.S. manufacturing and its own ability to acquire aircraft, both domestically and internationally.
In a statement, Delta warned that tariffs implemented without an adjustment period could threaten aircraft manufacturing in the United states and hinder Delta’s ability to purchase planes. The airline said it might be forced to cancel or reconsider existing contracts.
Delta noted it accepted 47 Airbus planes manufactured in Canada, Germany, or France in 2023 and 2024. Had tariffs been in place, the airline contends it would have been forced to cancel flights, impacting approximately 10 million passengers annually. The company fears a similar impact if tariffs are enacted.
The airline also stated that new tariffs on aircraft, engines, and parts would impede delta’s growing presence in maintainance, repairs, and overhauls.It would also undermine Delta’s ability to maintain a modern, competitive fleet.
White House spokesman Kush Desai said the Trump administration is committed to safeguarding national and economic security. The Commerce Department is investigating jet engine and parts imports under Section 232. Any decisions will be announced by President Trump.
The Commerce Department initiated its inquiry on May 1, 2025, to assess the national security implications of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts imports.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in April that the company would defer accepting plane deliveries that would involve a tariff.