Air Force One, carrying President Donald J. Trump, was forced to execute an emergency landing shortly after takeoff, returning to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The incident occurred less than an hour into the flight on Tuesday night, as the aircraft was en route to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.
According to the White House, the crew detected a minor electrical issue, prompting a precautionary decision to return to the base. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed reporters accompanying the president, confirming that the return was made out of an abundance of caution. Air Force One landed back at Andrews around 11:07 p.m. Eastern Time.
Witnesses among the traveling press reported that the lights in the press cabin went out briefly during the flight, although no further explanation regarding this incident was provided. Following the emergency landing, President Trump boarded a replacement aircraft, an Air Force C-32, which is a modified Boeing 757 commonly utilized for presidential travel to smaller airports.
President’s Schedule in Davos
Despite the setback, Trump departed on the alternate aircraft shortly after midnight, aiming to arrive in Davos in time for his scheduled address at the World Economic Forum. Initially set to speak around 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Trump is expected to address world leaders and economic experts during the event.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was already present in Davos, noted that the president’s arrival would be approximately three hours behind schedule due to the flight delay. Ahead of his trip, Trump expressed uncertainty about the events that would transpire but assured reporters of a significant representation of the United States.
Current State of Air Force One Fleet
The U.S. Air Force currently operates two modified Boeing 747s as Air Force One, both of which have been in service since 1990. The aircraft were originally scheduled for replacement in 2024, but delivery timelines for the new planes have been extended. The first new aircraft’s delivery has been postponed to 2027, while the second has been delayed until 2028.
In a notable development last summer, President Trump confirmed that the Qatari royal family had donated a Boeing 747-8, valued at $400 million, with the intention of eventually incorporating it into the Air Force One fleet. However, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink indicated that the renovation of the donated jet could incur several hundred million dollars in expenses before it could be utilized.
The incident highlights the importance of safety in presidential travel, as well as the ongoing challenges related to the maintenance and modernization of the aircraft that serve as Air Force One. The ongoing operations of the current fleet underscore the logistical and technical complexities involved in transporting the nation’s leader.
As President Trump continues his journey to Davos, the focus remains on the implications of his address at the World Economic Forum and the discussions likely to arise among global leaders.