The plane of United States President Donald Trump had to return to Andrews Base an hour after taking off for Switzerland, due to a “minor electrical failure,” according to the White House. The flight resumed only two and a half hours later, after changing aircraft.
The North American president departed on tuesday night – shortly before 11 pm local time – on Air Force One and was expected to arrive in Davos on Wednesday morning to attend the World Economic Forum. His trip generated surprise when, through the Flightradar24 site, many users noticed that his aircraft had turned around and returned to the United States.
The decision to return was made after takeoff, when the crew on board Air Force One identified a “minor electrical problem” and as a precautionary measure decided to turn back, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported.
A reporter on board recounted that the lights in the press cabin of the plane went out briefly after takeoff, but no explanation has been given so far. Approximately half an hour after takeoff, reporters were informed that the plane would turn around.
Once at Andrews Base, Trump boarded another aircraft and continued his trip to Davos, where the United States president was expected to attend the economic forum and confront European leaders over his attempt to take possession of Greenland.
Air Force One is probably the most iconic plane in the world and an instantly recognizable symbol of the American presidency. Trump has long been dissatisfied with the current air Force One jets: two highly customized Boeing 747-200B aircraft that entered service in 1990 under
Boeing 737 MAX Grounding and Recertification
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The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes, and while it has since been recertified, ongoing scrutiny and production issues continue to affect the aircraft as of january 21, 2026.
The Initial Grounding (2019-2020)
The grounding began after Lion Air Flight 610 on October 29,2018,and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10,2019,both involving 737 MAX aircraft and resulting in a combined total of 346 fatalities. Investigations revealed a common link: a faulty Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) that could force the aircraft’s nose down based on erroneous sensor readings.
The U.S.Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a worldwide grounding order on March 13, 2019. FAA Grounding Order. Other countries followed suit, effectively halting 737 MAX operations globally.
Recertification and Return to Service (2020-2023)
Boeing worked to address the MCAS software issues and implement revised pilot training. The FAA conducted a extensive review of the 737 MAX’s design and safety systems. On november 18, 2020, the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive lifting the grounding order, but with specific conditions, including software updates, revised flight crew training, and maintenance requirements. FAA Airworthiness Directive 2020-23-02.
The return to service was gradual, with airlines implementing the required changes and retraining pilots. American Airlines was the first U.S. carrier to resume 737 MAX flights in December 2020. Though, public confidence remained shaken, and demand for 737 MAX flights initially lagged.
Recent Developments (2024-2026)
despite the recertification, boeing has faced continued challenges with the 737 MAX. In January 2024, a door plug blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, prompting the FAA to temporarily ground the 737 MAX 9 for inspections. NTSB Preliminary Report – Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. This incident led to increased scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing quality control processes.
On February 29, 2024, the FAA gave boeing 90 days to develop and begin implementing a plan to address manufacturing quality control issues. FAA Statement on Boeing Quality Control. The FAA also increased its oversight of Boeing’s production facilities.
As of January 21, 2026, Boeing is still working to address the FAA’s concerns and implement the required improvements. Production rates remain below pre-grounding levels, and deliveries of new 737 MAX aircraft have been impacted. Boeing reported a 33% decrease in 737 deliveries in 2025 compared to 2018. Boeing 2025 Full Year Results. The company is facing increased pressure from regulators, airlines, and investors to improve its quality control and restore confidence in its products.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The primary regulatory body overseeing the 737 MAX’s recertification and ongoing safety.
- Boeing: The manufacturer of the 737 MAX aircraft.
- Alaska Airlines: The airline involved in the January 2024 door plug incident.
- Lion Air & Ethiopian Airlines: The airlines involved in the initial fatal crashes.
- Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation system (MCAS): The flight control system identified as a key factor in the crashes.
