Delta Strips Engines Off New Airbus Jets to Overcome Shortage

Delta Air Lines Inc. has been cannibalizing new Airbus SE jets in Europe by stripping off their engines and using them to get grounded planes in the US back into service, as it seeks to overcome a shortage and avoid aircraft import tariffs.

The airline has been taking US-made Pratt & Whitney engines off new European-built A321neos and shipping them back to the States without any duties, according to people familiar with the matter. The engine-less aircraft, meanwhile, remain in Europe.

Delta has parked some older A320neo-family jets because of issues with their original turbines. These aircraft can be fitted ...