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Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has indicated that the airline may postpone receiving Boeing aircraft if costs increase due to tariffs, which could ignite tensions between manufacturers and airlines over tariff-related expenses stemming from the trade policies enacted during Donald Trump’s presidency.
O’Leary told the Financial Times that Ryanair might delay the delivery of 25 Boeing aircraft scheduled from August, as they are not required until March or April 2026, expressing hope that “common sense will prevail” regarding tariff disputes.
The comments underscore the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the aerospace sector, threatening billions in aircraft deliveries and complicating supply chains. Traditionally, the sector has operated with minimal trade barriers since 1979, save for a brief period of tariffs linked to a dispute over Boeing and Airbus subsidies.
In response to Trump’s policy, imports to the U.S. from countries other than China face a 10 percent tariff, with additional 25 percent levies on steel and aluminum, essential materials for aircraft production. The EU has paused retaliatory tariffs on specific U.S. goods.
The 10 percent levy applies to finished aircraft and parts imported into the U.S., and building planes domestically could become more expensive due to reliance on international supply chains involving Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, stated the U.S. carrier would defer Airbus orders in lieu of paying tariffs. Delta plans to receive 10 wide-body jets from Airbus’ European factories this year.
O’Leary highlighted ongoing debates about whether manufacturers or airlines should absorb tariff costs, stating that airlines might argue manufacturers should pay, while manufacturers would likely insist airlines are responsible.
A senior aerospace executive affirmed that importers are expected to bear the tariffs. This heightened tension between the U.S. and China has also affected Chinese carriers, with Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines postponing a Boeing 787 delivery due to uncertainties.
Industry supply chains are globally interconnected, with both Airbus and Boeing importing components from multiple regions. Airlines and aircraft lessors source spare parts for their fleets from various international suppliers.
Rob Morris from Cirium’s consultancy business Ascend noted the 10 percent tariff’s significant impact on aircraft sales, estimating that Delta could incur additional costs nearing $150 million for its Airbus widebody aircraft by 2025.
Amidst these developments, industry executives are contending with increased procedural requirements, particularly concerning tariffs on steel and aluminum, requiring detailed documentation such as the weight and origin of metal components.
One aerospace leader acknowledged ongoing questions about tariff calculations and emphasized the need to determine how these costs will be distributed, ultimately affecting ticket purchasers.
