ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) has strongly opposed potential new U.S. tariffs on imported commercial aircraft and parts, warning of major impacts on operations and competitiveness.
In a formal response to a federal investigation, Delta cautioned that imposing Section 232 tariffs could disrupt its fleet procurement and maintenance, particularly involving aircraft deliveries through international manufacturers like Airbus.
Delta Air Lines Airbus A50 with 100 Years Livery | Photo: Clément AlloingDelta Opposes New Trump Tariffs
Delta’s comments came as the U.S. Department of Commerce launched a Section 232 national security investigation on May 1, 2025.
The probe aims to assess whether imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts threaten national security. The airline submitted a legal response through a law firm as part of the public comment process.
The carrier noted that the proposed tariffs would retroactively affect long-standing contracts for aircraft purchases.
According to Delta (DL), such actions could force cancellations of aircraft orders from Airbus facilities in Canada (YMX), Germany (FRA), and France (TLS), directly impacting around 10 million customers annually if those deliveries were halted.
Delta emphasized that even domestically produced aircraft could be affected, citing increased costs and supply chain disruption. Aircraft acquisitions, often negotiated years in advance, would be subject to unexpected financial burdens, placing the airline at a disadvantage globally.
Photo: Clément AlloingTariffs Could Impact Fleet, Maintenance, and Jobs
Delta warned that tariffs would undermine its investments in skilled labor, particularly in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The airline operates major MRO hubs in the U.S. and relies on timely access to parts and aircraft from global suppliers to support its fleet modernization efforts.
The company has recently accepted 47 Airbus aircraft built overseas between 2023 and 2024. Imposing tariffs on similar future deliveries could impair Delta’s ability to serve U.S. routes efficiently and maintain a competitive, fuel-efficient fleet.
During an April earnings call, Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged the risk, indicating that the airline may defer deliveries if tariffs are implemented. Such delays would ripple across schedules and customer experience.
Photo: Trump White House ArchivedFederal Investigation
White House spokesperson Kush Desai reiterated that the Trump administration remains committed to protecting U.S. national and economic security through the Section 232 investigation.
Desai confirmed that any policy decisions would ultimately be announced by the President.
The Commerce Department has not yet provided additional details or a timeline for conclusions. The industry is closely monitoring the investigation’s outcome, which could redefine aircraft procurement practices across U.S. carriers.
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Delta Avoids 10% of Trump Tariffs on New Airbus Aircraft with Smart Move
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