A minor electrical issue prompted Air Force One to turn back to Maryland less than an hour after departure. The aircraft was en route to Davos, Switzerland, with President Trump onboard when the decision was made to return for safety reasons.
Details of the Incident
White House officials stated that after takeoff from Joint Base Andrews, a crew member detected the problem. To prioritize safety, they opted to turn around and safely land back at the base. Air Force One returned by 11:07 p.m. Eastern Time.
Reports indicated that the lights in the press cabin experienced a brief outage during the flight. However, no further explanations regarding this incident were provided.
Resuming the Journey
Shortly after landing, President Trump transferred to a new aircraft, taking off around midnight. This second aircraft is a modified Boeing 757, known as the Air Force C-32, typically used for domestic travel.
Mr. Trump is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he was scheduled to address attendees around 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Depending on the timing of the new departure, his remarks may be delayed.
Background Information on Air Force One
- Two modified Boeing 747s currently serve as Air Force One.
- Both planes have been operational since 1990.
- Plans to replace them include new modified Boeing 747s; the first is expected to be ready in 2027 and the second in 2028, according to the U.S. Air Force.
In a recent announcement, President Trump confirmed that a Boeing 747-8, valued at $400 million, was donated by the Qatari royal family for future use as Air Force One. However, substantial renovation costs may delay its readiness for use, as stated by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
Overall, this unexpected incident has altered President Trump’s travel plans but highlights the commitment to safety protocols in presidential travel.
