In response to the unprecedented duties being assessed on the import of commercial aircraft parts AvAir is launching a petition urging the U.S. government to reinstate previous tariff exemptions for these critical components that have been long established.

The commercial aircraft parts already on today's market are essential to maintaining the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of the national fleet. These parts are not optional; they are required for regular maintenance, compliance with FAA regulations, and ensuring the highest standards of passenger and crew safety. Tariffs that disrupt access to these components increase costs and lead times for airlines, MRO providers, distributors and manufacturers, directly affecting operational safety and efficiency.

The tariffs have also led to a sharp increase in exchange costs for operators and suppliers. Aircraft parts that flow through international repair, leasing, and exchange networks, where availability is critical, and are then returned to domestic suppliers now incur tariffs on the return inflating the cost of exchanging parts between operators and vendors exponentially while delaying repairs and grounding aircraft unnecessarily. These disruptions increase financial pressure across the industry, particularly for smaller operators and independent repair stations.

Tariffs on essential aircraft components hinder the adoption of next-generation, fuel-efficient systems that lower emissions, noise, and fuel use—undermining aviation sustainability and U.S. climate goals. Utilizing surplus parts reduces environmental impact, conserves resources, and avoids the high costs and emissions tied to manufacturing new components..

The U.S. aerospace sector is a vital driver of economic growth and innovation. Imposing tariffs on key aircraft parts undermines the ability of domestic companies to compete globally, invest in advanced technologies, and expand operations. For startups and small and mid-sized businesses in particular, these tariffs create unnecessary financial strain that can stifle growth and job creation.

AvAir is calling on all industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to support this petition and advocate for the return to the prior exempt status of these parts. Together, we can safeguard the aviation supply chain, stimulate sustainable industry growth, and promote an environmentally responsible future for American aerospace.

This petition requests

1. Return of all exemptions from tariffs for importation of whole aircraft and their components in accordance with the 1980 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (ATCA) including the provisions of the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade as listed in the 01-Jan-2025 Harmonized Tariff Schedule. 
    
2. Specific exemptions for return of exchange cores where the original part was exported from the U.S. within the last 36 months in alignment with the conditions of HTS 9801. 
    
3. Acknowledge commercial aircraft parts as critical safety components that should not be subject to punitive trade measures due to their direct impact on public safety and regulatory compliance.

Join us and make your voice heard.