Backup Air Force One makes unexpected trip to Arizona on Election Day

The aircraft formerly used as Air Force One by President Donald Trump is currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale for a two-day training. 

The Boeing VC-25A has long served as the aircraft used by presidents when traveling, until Trump recently unveiled a new aircraft gifted to him by Qatar. This plane currently serves as one of the backup planes in the president’s fleet.

The former Air Force One made a lengthy trip from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to Arizona to land at the Glendale Air Force base. Flight trackers show that, before the plane arrived in Arizona, it traveled first to Los Angeles, where it circled the city briefly. 

A spokesperson for Luke Air Force Base said the trip and training had nothing to do with election day, citing the timing as a “coincidence.” 

The aircraft is scheduled to depart on Wednesday after the crew conducts a “proficiency and currency training” at the base, according to Senior Master Sgt. Chad Usher. 

Usher said that the aircraft is not carrying any “distinguished visitors” or VIPs during this time. 

He also said he could not elaborate further on what all the training will entail.