Delta’s CEO Says Airline Won’t Pay Tariffs on Any Airbus Planes

Delta Air Lines Inc. is refusing to pay tariff costs imposed on planes made by Airbus SE, a potential point of tension for carriers globally as US President Donald Trump’s trade war injects new volatility into the aircraft market.

Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said he has been “very clear” with Airbus and would defer any deliveries with the additional expenses. The carrier is working with Toulouse, France-based Airbus to minimize the impact.

Ed Bastian

Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg

“We will not be paying tariffs on any aircraft deliveries,” Bastian said Wednesday on the carrier’s quarterly earnings call. “These times are ...