First VVIP Aircraft ‘Air India One’ for Prez, PM to arrive today

Two aircrafts, exclusively designed for President of India Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are expected to arrive in India on Thursday. The Special Extra Section Flight (SESF) tailor-made for the VVIPs will land at the New Delhi international airport.

In August, senior officials of Air India, security officers and senior government officials had reached the US to take the delivery of SESF or VVIP aircraft Air India One. Air India One is equipped with an advanced and secure communication system allowing audio and video communication even in
mid-air without the worries of being hacked or taped, sources said.

This special aircrafts, B-777, are a replacement of wide-body aircraft Boeing B-747, whose call sign is Air India One. It can fly for 17 hours non-stop.

Recently, the interior design of the aircrafts was modified by Boeing, apart from doing other customization. The aircraft comprises a big suit/cabin for the VVIP and a mini medical centre, apart from space for the press. Rear seats are of the Economy class category while the rest are Business class.

After taking the delivery, the Air India will hand over the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Then the new aircraft will be de-registered and fresh registration SOP will be placed in the process as the VVIP aircraft will operate under IAF.

For some time, the Air India pilots will also be a part of the aircraft operating team till the IAF pilot gain expertise in handling it. The special aircrafts will be maintained by the Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL).

The Boeing 777 for VVIPs is also equipped with advanced defence systems and will be operated completely by the IAF pilots soon. The colour of the aircrafts and its design has been totally changed as per the recommendations approved by the PMO.