Delta Air Lines Temporarily Pauses Acceptance of New Airbus Models, Reroutes via Tokyo to Bypass U.S. Tariffs.

Delta Air Lines, in order to avoid the 10% import tariff imposed by the United States on new Airbus aircraft manufactured in Europe, has strategically rerouted the newly delivered A350-900 aircraft to Tokyo Narita Airport for international routes to avoid classification by U.S. customs as a "new import." Additionally, Delta has paused the acceptance of aircraft subject to tariffs and adjusted its delivery schedule. CEO Ed Bastian stated that if the tariffs cannot be avoided, Delta will halt aircraft acceptance. Delta has also chosen aircraft models produced in Canada and the United States to avoid tariffs, maintaining a balance between fleet expansion and cost control.

Detour via Tokyo: From "Brand New" to "Used"

In April 2025, Delta Air Lines received a brand new Airbus A350-900, registered as N528DN, originating from Toulouse, France. However, this aircraft did not fly directly to the United States but instead operated flight DAL 9936 on April 30, flying from Toulouse to Tokyo Narita Airport. This route was not merely a technical stopover but a strategic path designed by Delta to circumvent U.S. tariffs.

According to U.S. Customs, if an aircraft has completed commercial operations (even just once) before entering the U.S., it is no longer considered a "new import" and can be exempt from import duties. Delta leveraged this rule by first deploying the aircraft on international routes overseas before entering the U.S. market, thus avoiding a 10% import tax.

Exclusive International Routes: Avoiding the "Import" Label

In addition to detouring flights, Delta further ensures these new aircraft are used exclusively for international routes. As long as the aircraft is not permanently assigned to domestic flights within the U.S., it will not be considered officially "imported," thus not triggering tariff conditions. This strategy not only complies with U.S. Customs regulations but also allows Delta to continuously expand its long-haul fleet without legal issues.

This operational model is not new. As early as 2019, when the Trump administration first imposed tariffs on European goods, Delta employed a similar tactic by routing new aircraft overseas before putting them into service. Now, this strategy is being reactivated as a core method for Delta to respond to changes in trade policies.

CEO's Clear Stance: No Tariff Payments

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian clearly stated during the 2025 Q1 earnings call, "We will not pay any tariffs on aircraft deliveries." He noted that if it is not possible to avoid tariffs through detours or other means, Delta would opt to suspend the receipt of those aircraft.

According to Aviation Week, Delta has decided to delay up to 43 Airbus aircraft originally scheduled for delivery in 2025 until it can ensure no tariffs need to be paid. This decision not only reflects the company's commitment to cost control but also has a substantial impact on Airbus's delivery schedule.

Canadian and U.S. Production Lines: An Alternative Path

Besides the detour strategy, Delta also avoids tariffs by selecting aircraft models from different origins. For instance, some A220 models are produced at the Mirabel plant in Quebec, Canada, benefiting from different tariff treatments due to the U.S.-Canada trade agreement. Additionally, Airbus has a production line in Mobile, Alabama, responsible for assembling some A220 and A320 series models, which are not subject to European import tariffs.

These alternatives provide Delta with greater flexibility, allowing it to continue updating and expanding its fleet without violating trade regulations.

Additional Benefits and Challenges of the Detour Strategy

It is worth noting that this strategy, in addition to tax avoidance, also provides Delta with additional operational flexibility. According to View from the Wing, by first trialing new routes in Asia or the Caribbean, Delta can test market reactions without formally announcing them, avoiding friction with partner airlines. If the new route performs well, it can be transitioned to regular operations; if not, it can be canceled after tariff policy changes, using policy shifts as the public explanation.

However, this approach also increases operational complexity. Fleet scheduling, route planning, and compliance management require more precision. For example, American Airlines once mistakenly dispatched an A321 without ETOPS certification to Hawaii, leading to operational incidents, demonstrating that under such strategies, airlines must strictly adhere to technical and regulatory requirements.

Delta Air Lines Temporarily Pauses Acceptance of New Airbus Models, Reroutes via Tokyo to Bypass U.S. Tariffs.

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