'Minor electrical issue' on Air Force One delays Trump Davos visit
ReutersDonald Trump's presidential plane has been forced to turn back shortly after departing for Switzerland, where he is due to address world leaders later on Wednesday.
Air Force One was grounded due to a "minor electrical issue", according to the White House. Journalists travelling with the president also said the lights went out briefly in the press cabin.
The plane returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and Trump left for Switzerland on another aircraft.
The president arrived in Zurich around 12:40 local time (11:40 GMT), close to three hours later than scheduled. He will travel onwards to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he is expected to deliver a speech later.
Air Force One is technically a radio call signal and would be designated for any Air Force aircraft with the US president aboard, rather than a specific plane.
Currently, there are two Boeing 747-200B series in the Air Force passenger fleet, which have been in use since 1990.
The planes have been upgraded, but the costs of maintaining the airframe and engines are growing.
Trump has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction over the aircraft. Last year, his administration announced it was "looking at alternatives" to Boeing following repeated delays in the delivery of two new aircraft.
In May, Washington was criticised for accepting a $400m (£301m) Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar as an "unconditional" gift, with any necessary retrofitting costs being borne by the US government.
The White House has insisted that taking the aircraft is legal and pledged that it will be donated to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office.
Trump's Davos speech is currently slated for 14:30 (13:30 GMT). It's not clear how the delay will impact his schedule, which includes meetings with other foreign leaders and a reception of business leaders.
On Tuesday, Trump said he would use the speech to tell European leaders "we have to have" Greenland, as the diplomatic row widens over Trump's threats to acquire it.
The president has insisted that the US must acquire Greenland for national security reasons and has not ruled out using military force in doing so.
His demands have been rejected by Greenland's leaders, and by Nato member Denmark, of which the island is a semi-autonomous territory.
European leaders have also expressed opposition, several of whom - including France, Sweden and Germany - also sent military personnel to the territory for exercises and security purposes.
Trump has since threatened additional trade tariffs against a number allies if they oppose his plan.
