Fifteen aviation industry advocacy groups, ranging from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) to Airlines for America (A4A), delivered a letter today to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer asking the government to work with them on mitigating disruptions to the aviation supply chain. The coalition seeks support for “policies and actions focused on strengthening aviation safety agreements, policies, and investments to bolster innovation, as well as measures to address specific aviation supply chain challenges.”
Well, the aviation industry was already in a tough spot with market conditions the way they’ve been, even before this administration. Now, the tariffs are piling on more trouble, and the coalition’s hoping to catch a break by asking for an exemption, saying it’ll help U.S. aviation. Their letter lays out some solid points and takes a well-thought-out approach, but even with that, pulling this off won’t be easy. If they succeed, they might dodge some higher costs and delays. If not, things could go from bad to worse and frankly, there’s not much reason to be hopeful.
Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will not answer to industry advocacy groups nor have any interest in the aviation supply chains.
They only answer to and react from one motivation - pleasing the American King.
Following his ever-changing whims is the only determinative action and will be proven over and over ad nauseam in the days to come.
I can appreciate businesses concerned first about their bottom line, but sending a ‘letter’ for consideration is sooo retro and simplistic, expecting normalcy from lunacy. A plea by sending a ‘letter’ just shows how defenseless and trapped we have become. Maybe better to just send in the clowns.
And don’t forget. We all just will have to suffer a little bit to get to the goodness promised of this plan. So no exemptions. Everybody just gotta buckle down and deal with it.
Not sure if Mr. Duffy would even brief the commander in chief on the desires, wants and needs of aviation industry stakeholders.
We can definitely get ready for a whole new level of winning with this current administration. Its going to be so incredible. Its going to be much more incredible than anyone has ever seen before.
Sure, one letter won’t have a big impact, but many letters might. Even though this administration has focused on selecting only true loyalists, even some of the loyalists in its last administration started to push against the would-be king. What other option is there?
Yes, they lay out valid arguments. I just don’t see how this differentiates aviation from all the industries that use imported materials vital to the production of their products. What industry in that situation can’t make valid arguments on how their investors, consumers, workers, community, etc. will be harmed by new tariffs on their raw materials?
One of the benefits of the President imposing tariffs is that industries must plead their case and their fealty to him in the hope of an exemption. But wait a week and the all of the tariffs will likely be lifted. Of course, in a month . . .
@Douglas_C I’m with you, aviation’s case makes sense, but it’s hard to see how they stand out when every industry’s crying foul over tariffs. Just saying this will hurt our business isn’t enough.
What the coalition really missed was the bigger picture, the way this could hit folks outside the industry. Tariffs won’t just squeeze airline budgets, they’ll drive up ticket prices and could leave smaller towns with fewer flights or none at all. For some places, that’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a lifeline.
Then there’s the safety angle, aviation isn’t just about vacations and business trips. It’s crucial for medical flights, disaster relief, and moving critical cargo. Jacking up costs in those areas could do some real harm.
And let’s not forget environmental progress, these tariffs could slow down airlines from upgrading to cleaner, quieter planes.
Bottom line, the coalition’s letter had some good points, but they missed the chance to say, “This isn’t just about us, it’s about everyday folks too.” That kind of argument might’ve packed a stronger punch.
From Raf-
‘What the coalition really missed was the bigger picture, the way this could hit folks outside the industry’
This is one of the directions they should have gone if critical thinking was employed instead of only self-considered, bottom-line reactionary reasons. We’re still thinking from our tribes - exactly what this so-called administration wants us to do.
If this corrupt and anti-American group of ‘leaders’ is to be shown anything that would make them even glance back with ‘uh,oh, s*#t, they’re on to us’ it’s unity of purpose.
Realistically, and sadly I don’t think we have anyone that rises above the self-interest and tribe mentality today to combat a dangerous, powerful madman with nearly unlimited power and money, given to him on a silver, no, gold platter, by the very tribes I speak of.
Along the lines of a boycott, a flat out refusal from every country affected to abide by any tariffs imposed would show global unity, no buying or selling of goods or use of services in a strong, multi-lateral push.
Likely won’t happen, but there are more approaches available beyond sending letters asking for mercy and understanding for our clan. This group in D.C. has neither for anyone but one very pathetic man.
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
These groups act like they have never seen the oath, ever.
Begging for mercy ?
Just for their own narrow interests only ?
Tribal Mentality, as others wrote !!!
Dividing the country for self interest ?
Where in the Constitution do we see that ?
I played an active role at EAA and when the late founder and CEO retired, he said to me " the new people are all about politics ".
My late dear friend Paul P. was right. Hence, I am no part of the “circus”.
Now that reality TV has arrived in the White House we get to see just how ridiculous what normally goes on in the back rooms can get. Sadly, since nobody in the USA ever stayed awake in high school history classes, the world is about to shift back to where we were 95 years ago. Don’t despair: some REALLY nice airplanes came out of the last Great Depression.
