Airbus Places Tariff Burden on US Airlines Amid Trade Tensions

Airbus has announced that it will not cover the cost of tariffs on aircraft imported from Europe by U.S. airlines, shifting the financial burden onto carriers such as Delta and American Airlines. While Airbus will continue to absorb duties on components shipped to its Alabama assembly plant, airlines importing finished planes directly from Europe must now pay the additional tariffs themselves. This move comes amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe and has prompted major airlines to reconsider their purchasing strategies and cost plans. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has criticized the tariffs as detrimental to both European and U.S. industries and is advocating for a return to duty-free trade agreements. The policy change raises operational costs for U.S. airlines and could influence ticket prices or delivery schedules, with some carriers reportedly exploring alternative delivery routes or deferrals. The situation underscores the broader impact of shifting international trade policies on the aviation sector and market dynamics.