Lufthansa, one of Europe's leading airlines, is reportedly planning to register its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners in Switzerland. This move comes at a time when global trade relations are becoming increasingly tense.
Following the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States and the subsequent countermeasures by the European Union, the international aviation industry is facing significant challenges. Amid these tensions, Lufthansa is trying to control its costs and avoid impending delays in the delivery of new aircraft. The following report sheds light on the background and potential consequences of this measure.
Background: Trade war puts strain on the aviation industry
Since the United States, under President Trump's leadership, imposed 20 percent punitive tariffs on goods from the European Union, trade conflicts have escalated worldwide. In response, the European Union imposed its own punitive tariffs on US products. The resulting price increases also have a significant impact on the aviation industry, as aircraft and aircraft parts are among its most important export goods.
For Lufthansa, which relies on the rapid delivery of new aircraft, these measures could result in significant additional costs. The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, of which the airline currently has 34 on order, are particularly affected. According to ch-aviation, 15 of these aircraft are already ready for delivery, but delays in the certification of new cabin interiors by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have so far prevented delivery.
Switzerland as a strategic way out
In this tense situation, Lufthansa is turning its attention to Switzerland. Although the country is not a member of the European Union, it is still subject to high US tariffs of up to 31 percent. Nevertheless, Switzerland has not yet imposed its own punitive tariffs on US goods, making importing American aircraft less costly than in EU member states.
According to numerous media reports, Lufthansa is therefore considering the possibility of initially registering the new Dreamliners in Switzerland. This measure could result in significant cost savings by avoiding the burden of European punitive tariffs. After registration in Switzerland, a later transfer of the aircraft to Germany is conceivable once the trade situation has calmed down.
Further orders affected
In addition to the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Lufthansa has also ordered 21 Boeing 777Xs from the American aircraft manufacturer. Since the 777X is still awaiting certification, delivery could be further delayed – a development that could be further exacerbated by additional tariffs. Industry observers such as Leeham News see Boeing in a significantly more vulnerable position than its European competitor Airbus, as Boeing relies far more heavily on international suppliers and could therefore be affected by the tariffs even in its US home market.
These uncertainties could force Lufthansa to seek further creative solutions to advance its fleet modernization as planned.
Risks for Boeing and the global supply chain
The intensified trade conflicts affect not only Lufthansa, but the entire global aviation industry. Chinese airlines, for example, were recently instructed by their government not to purchase any more Boeing aircraft. The resulting cancellations or delays could significantly harm Boeing, especially as competition from Airbus and new entrants such as the Chinese manufacturer COMAC increases.
Yicai Global reported that the new Chinese tariffs of 125 percent on US products will significantly increase the cost of Boeing aircraft for Chinese airlines. This could lead to Chinese airlines relying more on Airbus in the future or postponing their investments.
The impact is also serious for Boeing itself: Since many components originate from abroad, even domestic sales could become more expensive due to the US tariffs. The CEO of AerCap, one of the world's largest aircraft leasing companies, declared as early as March 2025 that Boeing has more to lose in a global trade war than Airbus.
Pressure to act for Lufthansa
For Lufthansa, the rapid integration of the new Dreamliners into its fleet is of key importance. The aircraft will be used, among other things, on medium-haul routes to increase fleet flexibility and reduce operating costs. Delays or additional costs could significantly impact the airline's competitiveness.
Given the impending risks, temporary registration in Switzerland appears to be a pragmatic step. Other European airlines could also take similar steps in the future to avoid the effects of the trade war.
Lufthansa is looking for ways out of the crisis
Like many other international companies, Lufthansa is experiencing a period of strategic uncertainty. The plans to register the new Dreamliners in Switzerland demonstrate a willingness to respond flexibly to political and economic challenges. As the trade war between the United States and its major trading partners continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how sustainable and effective these measures will be.
One thing is clear, however: in an increasingly fragmented global economy, companies like Lufthansa must find new ways to secure their competitiveness and implement their expansion plans.
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