Summary:
Alaska Airlines is canceling over a dozen daily flights due to tariffs impacting its ability to accept new Embraer 175 aircraft. The Seattle-based carrier is avoiding additional costs by delaying deliveries, affecting its regional subsidiary, Horizon Air. President Trump’s tariff policies have disrupted supply chains, forcing companies to raise prices and adjust operations. The airline is prioritizing cost control and guest care while managing the fallout from these economic challenges.
What This Means for You:
- Expect potential flight cancellations, especially on routes served by Horizon Air in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah, and western Canada.
- Reach out to Alaska Airlines for rebooking options if your travel plans are affected by these cancellations.
- Monitor airline updates for changes in flight schedules and consider alternative carriers if necessary.
- Be aware that tariff-related disruptions may continue to impact the aviation industry, potentially leading to higher ticket prices or reduced service options in the future.
Original Post:
Alaska Airlines is canceling more than a dozen flights a day as tariffs hinder its ability to accept delivery of new aircraft, according to the carrier.
The Seattle, Washington-based airline said it wouldn’t immediately accept delivery of two Embraer 175 regional jets in order to avoid incurring the extra tariff-related costs. The aircraft were meant to serve Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.
President Trump’s tariff agenda has upended supply chains for a range of businesses, and has forced many companies to raise prices on consumers in order to protect their margins. The aviation industry has also warned that the levies will affect its business.
“We deeply regret the impact this situation will have on our guests this summer,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CBS News Wednesday.
“Amid the ongoing uncertain economic environment, we are focused on controlling what we can control — including costs, productivity, operational performance and taking care of our guests to the best of our ability. As part of this effort to control our costs, Alaska will not accept additional costs imposed by tariffs throughout our supply chain,” it added.
Without the new aircraft, Alaska said it must cancel 14 flights a day through the end of July. Horizon operates all of its flights on Embraer jets. Alaska operates an all-Boeing fleet.
The delayed aircraft were expected to arrive from Brazil in May. Brazilian imports to the United States have been subject to a 10% tariff since April.
Delta Air Lines also took steps to avoid paying tariffs on new aircraft earlier this year. In April, it had new Airbus A350 airlines delivered from France to Japan, and flew the planes internationally first, before bringing them to the U.S. Because the aircraft were not new on arrival in the U.S., the airline was not on the hook for paying tariffs on them.
Which routes is Alaska canceling?
The new planes had been scheduled to arrive by the end of May and were expected to go into service during the summer season for Horizon, which serves the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah and western Canada.
Alaska said it is cutting routes that are served by multiple flights, so that no single route is eliminated entirely, even temporarily.
“When deciding which flights to cancel, we put our guests at the center of consideration. We don’t take these decisions lightly as we know it means disruption for our guests and their travel plans. We assessed our network and protected the communities we serve that already have limited service. Our teams are working to reaccommodate all impacted guests on the next best option for their travel plans,” Alaska said in a statement.
Extra Information:
How Tariffs Impact Supply Chains – Explains the broader economic effects of tariffs on industries.
Tariffs and Consumer Prices – Discusses how tariffs lead to higher costs for consumers.
Alaska Airlines Flight Cancellations – Provides updates on the airline’s operational changes.
People Also Ask About:
- Why is Alaska Airlines canceling flights? – Due to tariffs delaying the delivery of new aircraft.
- Which routes are affected by the cancellations? – Routes in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, Colorado, Utah, and western Canada.
- How can I rebook my canceled flight? – Contact Alaska Airlines for rebooking options.
- Will tariffs continue to impact airlines? – Yes, tariffs may lead to further disruptions and higher costs.
- What is Horizon Air? – A regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines operating Embraer jets.
Expert Opinion:
The ongoing tariff disputes highlight the vulnerability of global supply chains in the aviation industry. Airlines like Alaska are forced to make tough operational decisions to mitigate costs, but these measures can lead to reduced service and customer dissatisfaction. This situation underscores the need for strategic planning and policy adjustments to stabilize the industry.
Key Terms:
- Alaska Airlines flight cancellations
- Embraer 175 aircraft tariffs
- Horizon Air regional flights
- Trump tariff impact on airlines
- Aviation industry supply chain disruptions
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