Airbus CEO: US Tariffs Will Impact Airlines, Not Airbus

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has said that any spike in US tariffs on European-built aircraft will be borne by the airlines, not Airbus. Speaking during the company’s April 30, 2025, earnings call, Faury explained that when aircraft are exported from Europe to the United States, “that’s an import for the customers,” meaning the cost of tariffs falls on the airlines.

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have both stated they will not accept additional costs. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the airline would defer deliveries if tariffs are applied, while American CEO Robert Isom insisted aircraft prices are already too high.

Faury clarified that tariffs would only apply to Airbus aircraft manufactured in Europe, such as the A330 and A350 families. Airbus aircraft produced at its Alabama facility, including the A220 and A320 families, would not be subject to US tariffs. While these US-assembled aircraft use imported components, Airbus itself would handle those duties.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted that most of its Airbus orders will come from the Alabama plant, insulating the carrier from potential tariffs. United has firm orders for 125 A321-200NX, 50 A321-200NY(XLR)s, and 45 A350-900s. Delta and American also have large Airbus backlogs, including widebodies built in Europe.

Faury said Airbus has weathered past tariffs and may divert exports to other markets if needed. He urged a return to the pre-1979 policy of tariff-free civil aerospace trade, which he said had long benefited both Europe and the United States.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com