Airbus Delivers A350 Via Japan To Delta

Airbus is taking a different approach to delivering new commercial airplanes to customers in the United States, with an A350 showcasing that.

Airbus is delivering an A350-900 to Delta; however, instead of simply sending its aircraft towards the U.S. customer like it would on any other regular day, this delivery flight has an odd flight path.

As highlighted by FlightAware, a leading flight tracker app, the aircraft, slated for delivery this coming weekend, will instead head first towards Tokyo Narita International Airport.

This peculiar flight schedule marks a trip around the world in the wrong direction, which is not typical for a new plane delivery.

Airbus’ strategy for delivering these new planes isn’t necessarily a new tactic; it has been used before when trade tensions have unfolded.

These discussions surrounding Airbus’ delivery of new commercial aircraft follow comments from one of its most important customers, Delta, suggesting that it would defer the delivery of new planes.

Delta Rejects New Airbus Aircraft?

U.S. customer Delta indicated that it would not pay tariff costs imposed on planes made by Airbus that it is expected to take delivery of.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Ed Bastian, commented that deliveries would be deferred if additional expenses were incurred. As a result, the airline would find a more optimal time to take on the jets.

It now appears that Airbus and Delta have been in close communication to find a means to mitigate the unfolding circumstances, which would be a worst-case scenario for all parties involved.

While Delta continues to work with Airbus to find a means to limit the overall impact on its business when taking on new planes, the tension remains.

As transcripts of the conversation show, Bastian stated that any additional costs would present challenges to the business during the airline’s quarterly earnings call.

Moreover, Delta is so heavily reliant on Airbus as a planemaker to power its future fleet that the acquisition of new planes can be without challenges.

The A350 will play a crucial role in the airline’s long-term widebody growth endeavours.

Airbus Reacts To U.S. Tensions

Delta’s CEO comments on the tariffs and their impact on the Airbus deal shouldn’t be surprising.

In mid-February, Airbus’ CEO stated that proposed tariffs would substantially disrupt its operations across the United States and, as a result, force it to place priorities elsewhere.

Airbus stated that airlines worldwide are eager to take delivery of next-generation planes from its portfolio.

Due to this eagerness and the challenges of dealing with the United States, the planemaker confirmed that it wouldn’t hesitate to adjust its backlog.

In essence, those changes would likely expedite deliveries to customers, making the process easier than in the United States.

However, if there are means to facilitate delivery, such as what is being witnessed with the Delta Airbus A350 now, then it makes sense.