A minor electrical problem on Air Force One forced Donald Trump’s presidential plane to turn back shortly after takeoff, delaying the US President’s trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
According to the White House, the plane experienced a “minor electrical issue” that prompted its return to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Journalists travelling with the President also reported that the lights briefly went out in the press cabin.
After disembarking, Trump and his entourage departed for Zurich on a different aircraft, arriving around 12:40 local time (11:40 GMT) – nearly three hours later than originally scheduled. The President is expected to deliver a speech at the Davos forum later today.
Air Force One is the radio call sign used for any Air Force aircraft carrying the US President. The current fleet consists of two modified Boeing 747-200B series planes that have been in service since 1990. While the aircraft have undergone upgrades over the years, the aging airframes and engines are becoming increasingly costly to maintain.
Trump has previously voiced dissatisfaction with the existing Air Force One planes, with his administration last year announcing it was “looking at alternatives” to Boeing following delivery delays for two new aircraft. The White House has also faced criticism for accepting a $400 million Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar, with the US government responsible for any necessary retrofitting costs.
The President’s Davos speech was originally slated for 14:30 local time (13:30 GMT), but it remains unclear how the delay will impact his schedule, which includes meetings with other world leaders and a reception with business executives.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump said he would use the Davos platform to tell European leaders that the US “has to have” Greenland, further escalating a diplomatic row over his attempts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The President has insisted that the US must acquire Greenland for national security reasons and has not ruled out the use of military force.
Greenland’s leaders, as well as NATO member Denmark, have firmly rejected Trump’s demands. Several European nations, including France, Sweden and Germany, have also sent military personnel to the territory for exercises and security purposes, and Trump has threatened additional trade tariffs against allies who oppose his plans.
