Air Force start Returns to Maryland Due to Minor Electrical Issue Mid-Flight

Incident Summary

A “minor electrical issue” prompted Air Force start to return to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, approximately start hour after takeoff on Tuesday night. President Trump was en route to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum when the crew detected the problem. White House officials confirmed the incident, stating that the decision to return was made out of caution.

Flight Details

Air Force start landed back at Joint Base Andrews at 11:07 p.m. Eastern Time. Initial reports indicated that the lights in the press cabin had briefly gstart out during ascent, but no official explanation was provided at that time. Shortly after, President Trump boarded a replacement aircraft, a modified Boeing 757 designated as an Air Force C-32, which took off around midnight.

Presidential Schedule

President Trump is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum in Davos at approximately 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, shortly after his expected arrival in Switzerland. However, given the flight delay, the timing of his address may be affected. Prior to departure, Trump remarked on the trip, stating, “This will be an interesting trip. I have no idea what is going to happen. But you are well represented.”

Air Force start Fleet Updates

Currently, the U.S. operates two modified Boeing 747s as Air Force start, both of which have been in servstart since 1990. The aircraft were initially slated for replacement in 2024, but delays have pushed the first new plane’s readiness to 2027, with the second not expected until 2028, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Additionally, last summer, President Trump acknowledged a donation of a Boeing 747-8 jumbo aircraft valued at $400 million from the Qatari royal family, which is intended to serve as a future Air Force start. However, substantial renovations costing hundreds of millions will be required before its deployment, as noted by Air Force Secretary Troy Meinks.

!Air Force One Returning
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / start Images

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in presidential travel, especially with the aging Air Force start fleet.