TRUMP MAY DO A RUNNER TO SCOTLAND
President may be here on Biden’s big day
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump could be planning a trip to Scotland to dodge his successor Joe Biden’s inauguration, aviation sources claim.
Prestwick Airport has been told to expect the arrival of a US military Boeing 757 – an aircraft occasionally used by Trump – on January 19, the day before his Democratic rival Biden is sworn into office at the White House.
Speculation surrounding Trump’s plans has been fuelled by the activity of US Army aircraft, which were based at Prestwick for a week in November and were believed to be scoping his Turnberry resort.
Sources at Prestwick said two US military surveillance aircraft were seen circling Turnberry and used the aviation hub as a base.
US media has reported Trump will snub Biden’s inauguration and instead announce a re-election bid.
Aircraft used by Trump, first lady Melania and vice-president Mike Pence are given a special call sign instead of a tail number to make it easier for air traffic controllers to give them VIP treatment – including Trump’s own Boeing 757, which has the call sign Tyson 1.
Air traffic controllers receive details of the arrival of a plane with a special call sign weeks in advance but are not told which plane when the booking is made.
A source at Prestwick Airport said: “There is a booking for an American military version of the Boeing 757 on January 19.
“Presidential flights tend to get booked far in advance because of the work that has to be done around it.”
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump has not finalised his plans for inauguration day.
If Trump does come here, he could be in breach of coronavirus restrictions. Turnberry is closed until February 5 due to Level 4 rules, according to the resort’s website.