In order to avoid U.S. tariffs, Delta's new aircraft "took a detour"
Delta Air Lines rerouted its newly purchased Airbus A350 aircraft to Tokyo to avoid U.S. tariffs on new planes, operating it internationally before bringing it back to the U.S. to avoid being classified as a "new aircraft." This move aims to reduce high import tariffs, and Delta CEO Ed Bastian has stated that the airline will not pay tariffs on aircraft deliveries
In order to avoid annoying tariffs, Delta Air Lines has racked its brains and cleverly routed through Tokyo, disguising the brand new Airbus A350 as "second-hand goods."
On Tuesday, Aviation Magazine reported:
Delta Air Lines seems to have found a way to circumvent the U.S. tariffs on new aircraft. Instead of flying its brand new Airbus A350 (registration number N528DN) directly from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, to the United States, Delta changed its route to fly to Tokyo, Japan.
Why take the long way? Delta operates the aircraft internationally first and then brings it to the U.S., so when the aircraft arrives in the U.S., it is not classified as a "new aircraft," potentially avoiding high import tariffs.
Other airlines have also adopted similar strategies, and the aircraft is currently flying under flight number DL9936.
It is worth mentioning that during a previous earnings call, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told investors, "We will not pay tariffs on any aircraft deliveries."
