President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Air India One-B777 aircraft on Tuesday by taking a flight to Chennai. Amid the heavy rainfall, he arrived at the Chennai airport on Tuesday morning in Air India One-B777.
Let’s look into the highlighting aspects of the Air India One – B777 aircraft.
Features of Air India One-B777 Flight
- This aircraft have a missile defence system which includes Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self Protection Suites (SPS). LAIRCM consists of a laser transmitter assembly, control interface unit and processor to detect, track, jam and counter incoming infrared missiles.
- It also includes an advanced communication system that allows midair audio and video to connect with top security.
- There are 2 conference rooms, a VVIP suite, a space for press briefing and a secure communication room with network jammers and a medical room in the aircraft.
- This aircraft is considered in par with the Air Force One which is used by President of United States.
- The aircraft has a longer range over the B747-400 which are usually used during VVIP operations.
“This is the first aircraft of the Air India One-B777 flight with the Head of State on board. The aircraft is fuel-efficient and has longer range than the B747-400 that are deployed for similar VVIP operations. The aircraft has state-of-art interiors with reduced noise levels,” according to a press release from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On the occasion of the inaugural aircraft of Air India One-B777, President Kovind praised pilots, crew members as well as the entire team of the Air India and Indian Air Force for operating the state-of-the-art aircraft and facilitating VVIP movements within India and on state visits abroad. In its first maiden flight for Air India One-B777, it landed in Chennai from Delhi around 9.15 a.m.
The President commends the pilots, crew members and the entire team of @airindiain and @IAF_MCC for operating the state-of-the-art aircrafts and facilitating VVIP movements within India and on state visits abroad. pic.twitter.com/wOV2afBHaa
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2020
The new aircraft will have its sign “Air India One”. The cost of the first two B777 aircraft is almost 8400 crore.
With the coming of B777 the old aircraft Boeing 747 which served leaders for almost 25 years will be phased out.
President Kovind also visited Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
