India Likely To Finalize Boeing 777-300 For Prime Ministerial Plane

India is likely to finalize modified Boeing 777-300 to replace its VIP Boeing 747 jumbo jet to fly the Prime Minister and will be renamed, Air India One.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to finalise the deal of two new Boeing 777-300s in the Defence Acquisition Council meeting to be held on June 25. The aircraft is said to be fitted with the latest technology and security features, DNA reported Wednesday.

The aircraft can reportedly withstand grenade and rocket attacks. It can also dodge and jam enemy radars. Its robust defense systems include radar warning receivers and missile-approach warning systems.

It can store food for 2,000 people and includes air-air refueling facilities in case of emergency. Doctors are available 24x7 and also comes equipped with an operating theatre for emergency surgery.

It has 19 TV sets, broadband, radio, telecom connections and a number of tools for official work. Lastly, the 777-300s will also have an executive office and bedroom.

The new Air India One will be similar to US President’s Air Force One.

The newest and largest US Presidential plane, Air Force One is a specially configured Boeing 747-200B. The "flying Oval Office" has 4,000 square feet of interior floor space.  Among its accommodations are Conference /dining room, Quarters for the president and the first lady, an office area for senior staff members, another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary, work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews, two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting, multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications.

The principal differences between Air Force One and the standard Boeing 747 include navigation, electronic and communications equipment; its interior configuration and furnishings; self-contained baggage loader; and front and aft air-stairs.