Delta Air Lines, one of the largest carriers in the United States, has decided to delay receiving new Airbus aircraft.
Recently imposed US tariffs on goods from the European Union and Canada directly affect aircraft manufactured by Airbus. These extra costs have pushed Delta to rethink its delivery schedule.
The airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, has been vocal about this: Delta won’t pay tariffs on new planes. Instead, the intention is to wait until the financial burden eases.
Tariffs and the Current Delivery Schedule
The tariffs hitting Delta Air Lines come from the current Trump administration’s trade policies. This will effectively drive up costs for Airbus aircraft built in both Europe and Canada. Airbus is the only aircraft manufacturer that Delta is currently expecting deliveries from.
Delta has 15 Airbus A350-900s still on order, plus 20 A350-1000s, with options for 20 more. These widebody jets were set to join the fleet starting in 2026, boosting capacity for long-haul routes.
The carrier also has a backorder of 69 single-aisle Airbus A220-300 aircraft for allocation to its short-haul network.
But with tariffs adding up to 20% to each plane’s price, the airline is reconsidering. CEO Ed Bastian has made it clear: Delta won’t foot the bill for these extra costs.
As a result, delivery timelines are now up in the air. It’s uncertain when—or if—these planes will arrive as planned.
The Bigger Picture
The airline has signaled a pullback in its growth plans and capacity; amid a softening of air travel demand. By deferring, Delta keeps its balance sheet strong while waiting for a better deal—whether through trade negotiations or Airbus shifting production.
Airbus does have a factory in Mobile, Alabama, but tariffs still apply to parts and components drawn from Europe and Canada.
This move reflects broader uncertainty in aviation. Airlines face rising costs, from fuel to labor, and now trade policies add another layer. With ongoing trade and economic turmoil, the problem isn’t going to disappear quickly.
Delta is certainly not alone, and other carriers might follow suit if tariffs stick around. Meanwhile, Airbus and Boeing are caught in the crossfire of this trade war, with customers like Delta feeling the pinch.
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