Flying for the Prime Minister? That may be something prestigious and honorable for any Pilot. With back-to-back meetings and rallies in various places around the world, the Prime Minister understands how to make the most of his time.
However, this can only be accomplished with a private jet that is constantly ready for him. Because the VVIP aircraft transports one of the world’s most important dignitaries, the plane must be designed to the highest safety standards, and the Pilot must be highly reliable.
Who Pilots Air India One VVIP Planes
Since winning the Lok Sabha elections in May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made more than 100 travels, including five to the United States. Between 2014 and 2019, PM Modi spent a record Rs. 518 crore on overseas travel, making him not only a most enviable globetrotter but also sparking global interest in his Air India One aircraft.
The Prime Minister flew aboard the Air India One Boeing 777 for the first time to Washington, DC, when President Biden held the in-person Quad Leaders’ conference on September 24, 2021.
PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to fly on the ultra-advanced and safe Boeing 777 VVIP aircraft, which was acquired to replace Air India’s aging Boeing 747, which had previously been used by the Prime Minister and President of India on official trips.
On October 1, 2020, India received the VVIP Boeing 777-300ER duo. The jet takes Prime Minister Narendra Modi on important trips abroad.
Interesting Read: Canada Refuses Air India One to Fly PM Justin Trudeau
Air India One
Air India One (also known as AI1, AIC1, or INDIA 1) is the Air Traffic Control call sign for any Special Extra Section Flight (SESF) conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the President, Vice President, or Prime Minister of India.
The missions are coordinated and carried out by the Ministry of Defence and the AHQCS, which is situated at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi.
The Flying Fortress is believed to be worth Rs 8400 crore!
History
In 2016, two Boeing 777-300ERs were chosen as SESF (VVIP transportation). The new aircraft, with specifically designed liveries, entered service in October 2020, replacing Air India’s Boeing 747-400s that flew the missions.
Unlike the 747s, which were commercial aircraft, the newly acquired aircraft are military vessels officially owned and operated by the Indian Air Force. They do not have Air India markings and have no commercial dual-use.
However, under a specific arrangement, they will be maintained by Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), which has previously maintained Boeing 777 series aircraft for Air India’s commercial fleet.
Despite being slightly less in size than the mighty Boeing 747, the Boeing 777 bought by India functions as an “Office in the Sky” for the VVIP on board.
Aircraft Model
Type: Boeing 777-300ER
Fleet: Two customized Boeing 777-300ER aircraft acquired in 2020, replacing the older Boeing 747-400s.
Key Features
- Security and Defense Systems:
- Equipped with Advanced Electronic Warfare Suites to protect against radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles.
- Includes countermeasure dispensing systems (CMDs) and a missile-approach warning system (MAWS).
- Self-Protection Suites (SPS) are similar to those in the U.S. Air Force One, enabling the aircraft to detect and neutralize threats.
- Technical Capabilities:
- Mid-air refueling capability for extended range and uninterrupted travel.
- Highly advanced communication systems, ensure secure, non-interceptable channels for communication.
- Can act as a mobile command center in case of emergencies.
- Interior Design:
- Luxurious cabin with conference rooms, offices, and a secure area for VVIPs to work during flights.
- Equipped with medical emergency facilities and sleeping quarters.
- Highly customized interiors for comfort and functionality.
- Range and Performance:
- Range: Approximately 13,500 kilometers without refueling.
- Speed: Maximum cruising speed of about 900 km/h.
Operational Details
- Operated by Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel rather than commercial Air India staff.
- Maintenance and management are handled by IAF’s specialized team for VVIP operations.
- Based at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) when not in use.
Symbolic and Functional Role
- Represents India’s sovereignty and international presence.
- Serves as a symbol of the nation’s prestige, equipped to maintain the safety and operational efficiency of Indian leaders.
Aside from radar warning sensors, missile warning receivers, anti-missile flares, intruder detection systems, and a countermeasure dispensing system, Air India One has been outfitted with cutting-edge communication technology, allowing the top three VVIPs to remain connected at all times, both online and offline.
Furthermore, each new Air India One aircraft is outfitted with a 238-mile-long cable to shield critical systems on board from the electromagnetic waves of a nuclear explosion. The Indian Air Force has not disclosed any additional security measures.
For the Indian VVIPs’ long-haul foreign trips, the Boeing 777s feature a well-equipped meeting room, an operation theater, a big bedroom, and a unique lounge. Each Boeing 777 can hold enough food for roughly 2000 people.
Color Coded Schemes for Pilots and Officials
Typically, an Air India One flight features four pilots as well as a dedicated team of doctors and skilled medical personnel on board to handle any unforeseen circumstances. A team of specially trained cops is also stationed on all flights for the top three VVIPs.
On Air India One flights, the President is referred to as VIP-1, the Vice President as VIP-2, and the Prime Minister as VIP-3. VIPs 1, 2, and 3 have an executive enclosure on the aircraft that includes an office and a bedroom. All other passengers on Air India One must wear color-coded identity cards at all times.
Members of the official delegation (at the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or higher) are identified in purple and seated in first class. Personnel from the Special Protection Group are also marked in purple to offer proximate security to the Prime Minister and may carry close combat weapons during flights.
Accompanying officials (passengers below the rank of Joint Secretary) are identified in pink and seated in business class equivalent seats. Support staff, such as cooks and butlers, as well as other security professionals (except the Special Protection Group), are tagged in red, whilst journalists in the press pool are tagged in yellow. Both red and yellow-tagged passengers are seated in economy-class equivalent seats.
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Other VIP aircraft: Boeing Business Jets (BBJ)
While Union Ministers and senior staff members of the Indian Armed Forces may utilize smaller aircraft for official travel, the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister use only 777-300ERs. Many government officials (including the Prime Minister) use other Indian Air Force VIP aircraft, such as the B737 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) and ERJ-135, for domestic and international medium-haul travel.
The Indian Air Force possesses six Boeing 737s (Business Boeing Jets). Three named and three unnamed VIPs travel domestically.
K5012: 36106 Rajdoot
K5013: 36107 Rajhans
K5014:36108: Rajkamal
K2412: MSN 23036
K2413: MSN 23037
K3187: MSN 20483
The Prime Minister uses Rajdoot, while the President and Vice President use Rajkamal and Rajhan, respectively. They are opulent but less secure than the Boeing 777-300ERs (K7066 & K7067), although they are still capable.
These planes are also utilized for foreign trips to neighboring nations such as Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The IAF’s Mil Mi-17 is used to visit military installations or areas without airplane landing facilities.
In addition to these IAF VIP transports, four Embraer Legacy 600s are utilized by the Home, Finance, Defence, and External Affairs ministers, respectively.
Meghadoot (K601): Home Minister
Vayudoot (K602): Minister of External Affairs
Nabhdoot (K603): Finance Minister
Gagandoot (K604): Defence Minister
Bottom Line
Air India One stands as a flying symbol of India’s strength, dignity, and global presence. With its state-of-the-art features, advanced security systems, and unparalleled luxury, it serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of its top leaders.
Beyond its technological marvels, Air India One is also a reminder of how aviation continues to bridge the gap between governance and diplomacy, allowing India to soar higher on the world stage.
As it carries the nation’s leaders across continents, it also carries the hopes and aspirations of over a billion people, representing India’s boundless potential.
Feature Image by Sandeep | ATC Spotter
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