Two Boeing 777 aircraft, which will exclusively fly the Prime Minister of India, President, and Vice President reached Delhi from the US on October 1, 2020. The delivery of planes was delayed twice due to some operational constraints before finally landing on Thursday.
Missile threatsThe aircraft comes with its own missile defence system called the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection suits, which are equipped to counter missile threats.
IAF pilots The two B777 aircraft will be operated by Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, not Air India pilots, while VVIPs are flying.
CostAs per officials, the total cost of purchase and retrofitting the two planes is estimated to be around Rs 8,400 crore.
Fly in one goThe aircraft can fly between the US and India in one go without having to stop for refuelling.
Special securityThe Boeing 777 aircraft comes with the Self-Protection Suites (SPS), which are used in the US President's Air Force One.The suite has large aircraft infrared countermeasures, countermeasures dispensing systems and protection systems which can block enemy radar frequencies and divert heat-seeking missiles by disturbing their navigating systems.
Air India Engineering Services LimitedAir India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), subsidiary of the Indian national carrier, will be maintaining the two new high-tech planes.
First such aircraft for President, VP, PMThis one is India's first aircraft meant particularly for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister - who otherwise travel by Air India.