VVIP Aircraft: Flying for the Prime Minister is undoubtedly a prestigious and honorable responsibility for any pilot. With the Prime Minister’s packed schedule of meetings and rallies across the globe, time is of the essence. To ensure seamless travel, a private jet, always ready for immediate takeoff, becomes essential.
The aircraft carrying such a high-profile leader must adhere to the highest safety standards, providing both security and comfort. Equally important is the pilot, whose reliability and expertise are critical in ensuring smooth and efficient travel for one of the world’s most influential figures.
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Who Pilots Air India One VVIP Planes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to fly aboard the highly advanced Boeing 777 VVIP aircraft, which was acquired to replace the aging Boeing 747 previously used by the Prime Minister and President of India for official trips. India received the two Boeing 777-300ER jets on October 1, 2020.
These state-of-the-art jets are used for PM Modi’s important international travels, ensuring enhanced safety and comfort for the country’s top leadership.
Air India One
Air India One (also known as AI1, AIC1, or INDIA 1) is the call sign used by Air Traffic Control for any Special Extra Section Flight (SESF) operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the President, Vice President, or Prime Minister of India.
These missions are meticulously coordinated and executed by the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (AHQCS) based at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi.
History
According to aviationa2z, In 2016, India selected two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for Special Extra Section Flights (SESF) to transport VVIPs, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister.
These advanced aircraft, specifically designed with unique liveries, replaced the older Boeing 747-400s that had previously been used for such missions. The new Boeing 777s, unlike the 747s, are military-owned and operated by the Indian Air Force and are not used for commercial purposes. They lack Air India markings, emphasizing their exclusive VVIP role.
However, under an arrangement, Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) is responsible for maintaining these Boeing 777s, as the company has experience with maintaining the same aircraft type in Air India’s commercial fleet.
Despite being slightly smaller than the Boeing 747, the Boeing 777s serve as a fully functional “Office in the Sky” for the VVIPs, offering state-of-the-art facilities and security for official travels.
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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
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- 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.
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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
Air India One flights are equipped with four pilots, medical personnel, and security teams for the top three VVIPs. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister are referred to as VIP-1, VIP-2, and VIP-3, respectively, each having an executive enclosure with an office and bedroom.
Delegation members of Joint Secretary rank or higher are identified by purple cards and seated in first class, while officials below that rank are marked in pink and seated in business class. Support staff are tagged red, and journalists are tagged yellow, both seated in economy-class equivalent seats.
Other VIP aircraft: Boeing Business Jets (BBJ)
Union Ministers and senior Indian Armed Forces staff may use smaller aircraft for official travel, but the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister are exclusively flown on 777-300ERs.
For domestic and international medium-haul travel, they, along with other officials, use other Indian Air Force VIP aircraft, including the Boeing 737 BBJ and ERJ-135.
The Indian Air Force operates six Boeing 737s, three of which are named, for VIP travel within India.
- K5012: 36106 Rajdoot
- K5013: 36107 Rajhans
- K5014:36108: Rajkamal
- K2412: MSN 23036
- K2413: MSN 23037
- K3187: MSN 20483
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
