US President Donald Trump’s aircraft was forced to return and land at a military base late Tuesday after suffering a technical problem shortly after takeoff, according to the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the aircraft turned back to Joint Base Andrews “out of an abundance of caution” due to a minor electrical issue. The plane touched down a little after 11:00 pm.
Reporters travelling with Trump said the cabin lights briefly shut off soon after departure, prompting concern onboard and leading to the decision to return.
After landing, Trump and his team switched to another aircraft at the base and resumed their trip to Switzerland. The replacement plane departed again around 0500 GMT, roughly two and a half hours after the original takeoff.
The incident once again brings attention to the ageing aircraft currently serving as Air Force One. The US presidential fleet includes two heavily modified Boeing 747-200B jets that have been in service since 1990, and Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration over delays to their planned replacements.
The administration has previously indicated it is exploring alternatives as Boeing’s delivery of two new 747-8 aircraft continues to face setbacks.
The debate has also intensified after the Pentagon accepted a Boeing 747 offered by Qatar for potential presidential use, an unusual move that has sparked ethical, legal, and security questions over the idea of operating a foreign-donated aircraft for sensitive presidential travel.
