As of May 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made 100 trips to 80 countries, including nine visits to the United States alone, since he won the Lok Sabha elections in May 2014. Nearly ₹800 crore spent on PM Modi’s foreign travels between 2014 and 2025 has not only made him a most enviable globetrotter, but raised curiosity about the plane – Air India One that he flies on worldwide.
Who operates Air India One for VVIP flights
Indian Air Force operates Air India One B777 for VVIP flights to foreign countries. The Air Headquarters Communication Squadron at New Delhi IGI Airport helms the deployment of Air India One aircraft, the flying fortress, for the top three VVIPs’ international trips. (The President is VIP 1, the Vice President is VIP 2, and the Prime Minister is VIP 3). Air India One is the call sign of all VVIP flights, including for PM Modi’s foreign visits.
Advanced B777-300ER replaced Air India’s B747
Air India’s Boeing 747-400 served as India’s VVIP aircraft with the call sign, Air India One, until October 2020. The Air India plane, when not in use for VVIP flights, was deployed for civil flights. The new B777-300ER, which is currently in service for PM Modi’s international trips, replaced the 26-year-old Air India B747-400 in November 2020. It features the ‘Air India One’ call sign and the Ashoka emblem permanently.
India’s VVIP aircraft sparked curiosity when the two new B777-300ERs equipped with the most advanced security features arrived in India; one from Seattle in 2020 and the other from Dallas, Texas in 2021. A special team of Air India and Indian Air Force officials escorted the new Air India One planes from USA to New Delhi. One of them was displayed during the Republic Day parade in 2018.
Air India One B777-300ERs Cost Rs 8400
The couple of Air India One aircraft that the President of India and Prime Minister Modi travel on were purchased for a whopping $190 million, as per the 2020 estimates. They got the anti-missile defence mechanism and mid-air communication system on the lines of US President’s Air Force One. The Government of India paid Rs 8400 for the purchase and configuration of two B777-300ERs.
Air India One B777: Security and communication features
The fool-proof security mechanism of India’s VVIP aircraft is an outcome of the US-India strategic relations in defence. The Boeing 777s were retrofitted with two systems – Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Advance Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites – upon US President Trump’s approval of the same. These defence systems make Air India One a strong citadel like the US President’s Air Force One.
Usually, each Air India One aircraft has four pilots. A dedicated team of doctors and trained medical staff is stationed onboard for unforeseen contingencies. A squad of specially trained officers is also deployed on all VVIP flights operated by B777-300ERs with the ‘Air India One’ call sign.
Besides radar warning sensors, missile warning receivers, anti-missile flares, intruder detection systems and a countermeasure dispensing system, the Air India One planes are equipped with the most advanced communication technology, using which India’s three VVIPs can stay connected, both online and offline, all times. Furthermore, Air India One flights are fortified with 238-mile-long wiring to protect crucial inflight electronics from electromagnetic pulses of a nuclear explosion. The Indian Air Force has not disclosed other security mechanisms.
Inside the Air India One aircraft: Inflight amenities
- Well-equipped conference room
- A modern operation theatre
- A spacious bedroom
- A lounge with cozy seating
- A pantry that can store food for nearly 2000 people
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