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VVIPs, get set for a new jet

Ashwini Phadnis

NEW DELHI, July 11

IS the Government planning on acquiring new aircraft to transport VVIPs?

While Government officials refused to comment, sources told Business Line that the evaluation of various aircraft for carrying VVIPs was in the initial stages.

The process was said to have been initiated recently at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), which was attended by senior officials of Indian Airlines, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Civil Aviation Ministry.

While the President, the Prime Minister and the Vice-President use the Boeing 737-200 aircraft maintained by the Indian Air Force for transportation within the country, for travel abroad an aircraft is chartered from Air India.

The Government is said to be examining both the Boeing Business Jet, popularly known as the BBJ, and the Airbus Corporate Jet or the ACJ.

Officials refused to speculate on the number of aircraft that could be acquired or when the exercise will be completed.

The new aircraft will be chosen after comparing a variety of issues such as the distance the plane can travel and its landing capabilities, besides the issue of security.

Recently, the Minister for Disinvestment, Mr Arun Shourie, said even after Air India passes out of Government control, its aircraft could be requisitioned for transporting VVIPs.

However, if the Government acquires the BBJ or the ACJ, the new aircraft can be used for transporting the President, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries not only in India but also abroad.