A4E warns tariffs on aviation would undermine jobs, safety, and climate goals

Airlines for Europe (A4E) is urging US and EU leaders to avoid imposing tariffs on aircraft and spare parts as trade tensions escalate. A proposed 30% US tariff on EU goods and potential EU retaliation could severely disrupt aviation, adding millions in fleet costs, delaying new, cleaner aircraft, and threatening jobs and cross-border operations.

A4E highlights the aviation sector’s deep transatlantic interdependence, with aircraft and components frequently crossing borders for production, maintenance, and repairs. Tariffs would cause widespread delays, increase costs for passengers and cargo, and stall progress on sustainability and innovation.

Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou stressed that aviation relies on cooperation, not confrontation, and called on both sides to use the current moment to de-escalate tensions and protect the industry’s global supply chains.