The discussion revolves around whether U.S. President Donald Trump''s policies, including potential tariffs on European goods and diminished support for NATO, are affecting European demand for travel to the U.S.
The transatlantic market is one of the largest and most lucrative long-haul international markets globally. Since the coronavirus pandemic, demand has surged across the North Atlantic as more Americans seek vacations in Europe and vice versa. This boom has boosted profits for airlines such as Delta Air Lines, International Airlines Group--the owner of British Airways and Iberia-- and Lufthansa Group.
A weakening of this market could pose financial challenges for legacy carriers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Already, Trump''s tariff threats have impacted the U.S.-Canada market. Canadian carriers like Air Canada and Porter Airlines have seen reduced demand and are considering cutting flights. United Airlines, the largest U.S. carrier in this market, is also scaling back some transborder flights.
"We''ve seen a ''big drop in Canadian traffic going to the U.S.,''" said United CEO Scott Kirby at an investor event on March 11. The airline plans to retire 21 aircraft early following a weaker-than-expected first quarter.
Despite these challenges, executives from American Airlines and Delta reported strong demand for European routes.
"We continue to see nice advance bookings for both transatlantic and transpacific," said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, on March 11.
American Airlines plans to add or resume five routes to Europe this summer, including Miami to Rome and Philadelphia to Milan. Delta is adding eight new routes, including its first-ever service to Catania in Italy. United''s plans include flights to Bilbao in Spain, Faro in Portugal, and Nuuk in Greenland.
According to schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, United was the largest airline between the U.S. and Europe by seats in 2024. Lufthansa ranked fifth among European carriers after British Airways while Swiss placed twelfth
The major European and U.S.. airlines operate joint ventures across the North- Atlantic allowing them coordination over schedules fares; these pacts include: Lufthansa & Swiss with United; British Airways & Iberia with American; Air- France & KLM with Delta
For now Ritter expressed his wish that Lufthansa could expand more into US- markets but faced growth constraints due primarily delivery delays Airbus- Boeing Certification carrier''s new Allegris seats Boeing-787 resulted completed- planes parked plane-maker''s plant North Charleston South Carolina awaiting sign- off delivery
"We have very strong connection US," Ritter added "continues grow"
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