Delta Cannibalizing New Airbus Jets to Avoid US Tariffs

Delta Air Lines is reportedly removing engines from newly built Airbus aircraft in Europe to avoid U.S. import tariffs and address an ongoing engine shortage, according to a Bloomberg report. The airline is leaving the aircraft in Europe while shipping the U.S.-manufactured Pratt & Whitney engines back to the United States to power grounded jets.

The unconventional strategy allows Delta to bypass the 10% tariff imposed by the U.S. government on European-built aircraft. By separating the engines—produced in the United States—the airline can legally transport them duty-free, while the airframes remain outside U.S. borders.

Delta is using the engines from new Airbus A320neo aircraft to reactivate older planes currently grounded due to turbine issues. This comes amid a broader supply chain struggle and delays in receiving replacement parts and engines.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian reiterated the airline’s tariff-avoidance policy during its Q2 2025 investor call, stating, “We are not planning on paying any tariffs for aircraft deliveries.” He noted that while the company remains hopeful about ongoing trade discussions in Washington, current uncertainty has influenced the decision to strip engines rather than import the new jets.

According to ch-aviation data, Delta has 65 aircraft grounded out of a total fleet of 1,007, including multiple A220s, A320-family aircraft, A330s, Boeing 737s, 757s, and 767s. The airline has 274 aircraft on order, including 78 A321-200NX and 67 A220-300 models.

This resourceful move reflects Delta’s efforts to minimize costs while navigating complex global trade dynamics and maintenance challenges.

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