New Delhi: The second B-777 VVIP's aircraft, Air India One has landed at Delhi. These aircrafts are exclusively made for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of the country.
The first VVIP aircraft arrived in India earlier this month. Both of these aircraft were previously a part of Air India's commercial fleet for a few months in 2018. Later, the aircraft were sent back to Boeing for retrofitting them for VVIP travel.
The total cost of purchase and retrofitting the aircraft cost around Rs. 8, 400 crores. These planes will have missile defence systems called Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self Protection Suites (SPS), which has been brought from the United States for $190 million.
During the travel of VVIPs, the aircraft will be operated by the pilots of Indian Air Force. At present, the president, vice president and prime minister fly on the B747 planes of Air India, which have the call sign of Air India One.
When these B747 planes are not flying the dignitaries, they are used for commercial purpose by the Indian national carrier.
However, the new B777 aircraft will only be used for flying the dignitaries.
Also Watch #NewsMakers: How Safe Are Women In Assam