President Donald Trump's Air Force One was forced to return to base on 20/1, 30 minutes after takeoff, due to an electrical malfunction while en route to Europe. The president then boarded a Boeing 757, typically used for domestic flights, and completed his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, without further incident.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-200B, one of two planes in the US Air Force's VC-25A program, which is the military designation for specially customized Boeing 747-200Bs. When either of these planes carries the US president, it is referred to as Air Force One.

"This is certainly one of the best-maintained aircraft in the world. But with any plane, when a warning light illuminates, you must turn back to inspect and address it," said Mary Schiavo, a CNN analyst.

According to the US Air Force, the aircraft that experienced the malfunction first entered service in 1991. President Trump has often voiced concerns that this crucial fleet needs an upgrade.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on 16/1. Photo: AFP

The 20/1 incident was not the first time a presidential aircraft encountered issues. This marks the second occasion in recent months that President Trump had to use a backup. During a visit to the UK in 9/2025, President Trump and First Lady Melania had to transfer to a support helicopter after their aircraft experienced a hydraulic malfunction and made an unscheduled landing at a local airport.

President Trump expressed his desire to replace the Air Force One fleet since his first term. However, acquiring new presidential aircraft requires time. Former President Barack Obama, who shared Trump's view on upgrading the fleet, awarded Boeing a contract in 2016 to build two new VC-25Bs, based on the Boeing 747-8 series. The original contract set a delivery target of 2022, but that deadline passed without any new aircraft entering service.

Air Force One in Los Angeles, California, on 24/1/2025. Photo: Reuters

The US military states that the new aircraft are expected to "serve as a flying White House for the next 30 years," replacing the two current planes. Planned improvements for the 747-8 series include upgraded electrical and communication systems, medical facilities, executive interiors, and self-operating ground capabilities. In 12/2025, the US Air Force awarded Boeing a contract modification worth USD 15,5 million for the VC-25B program, increasing the total contract value to over USD 4,3 billion. Under the current schedule, the first VC-25B is anticipated for delivery in mid-2028, near the end of President Trump's second term.

In addition to this primary plan, the US Air Force is exploring temporary options. In 12/2025, the Air Force announced it would purchase two additional Boeing aircraft from German airline Lufthansa to support future presidential travel. Costing approximately USD 400 million, the Air Force stated these planes are for "training and spare parts for the 747-8 fleet," while preparing to replace the 747-200 models currently serving as Air Force One. The first of these was delivered early this year, with the second expected by the end of 2026. If added to the presidential fleet, their renovation process would be extensive.

A Boeing 747-8 gifted by the royal family of Qatar to the US, at Palm Beach Airport, Florida, in 2/2025. Photo: AFP

The royal family of Qatar last year gifted President Trump a Boeing 747-8. However, it cannot be immediately operational as the Pentagon needs to conduct renovations to meet Air Force One standards. The aircraft also requires security checks and a sweep for surveillance equipment before acceptance. President Trump initially suggested the plane could be ready by 2/2026. However, an Air Force spokesperson stated on 21/1 that the aircraft would be delivered no earlier than summer.

President Trump's acceptance of the gift from Qatar drew criticism from Democrats, though he defended his decision. "If we can take the 747 as a contribution to the Department of Defense for use for a couple of years, while they are building others, then I think that's a very nice gesture," President Trump said last year.

By Thanh Tam (CNN, AP, CBS News, Independent)