India’s ‘Air Force One’ jets were delivered to the government by the Brazilian manufacturer. These VIP jets come with safety features, world class interiors and state of the art technology.

Three specially configured Legacy executive aircraft are all set to become India’s very own Air Force One, a la USA. The jets have been delivered by the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer to the Indian government.

Two of the three state of the art aircraft, complete with security systems, are likely to be flown by Indian Air Force for the Prime Minister and the President, while the third will serve the Border Security Force.

The Indian government has ordered five such aircrafts with options to buy two more. By October this year, the Brazilian company will complete delivery of the Embraer fleet.

The Legacy derives from the ERJ 135 jet and won the Indian order amid stiff competition from aircraft majors Airbus and Boeing.

Priced at US$ 22.45 million each, the Legacy Executive cruises at a speed Mach.80 and offers a range of 6,019 km with upto 16 passengers. This range, bolstered by superior passenger and luggage capacity, enables the aircraft to fly nonstop for eight hours.

The Legacy Executive provides premium comfort and privacy for the passengers in three distinct seating areas. Interior standard features include first-class leather seats, a plush divan, shower room and a conference room.

The aircraft also has a full-size galley for hot and cold meals, wardrobe and storage cabinet, and an entertainment system with DVD players and satellite telecommunications. The Legacy’s High Speed Data (HSD) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capability allows customers to browse the internet, access e-mail and transfer files.

The aircraft is said to be fitted with a special protection suite– a safety feature to enable them to face any attack including threat from missiles.

The Legacy delivery also marks the Brazilian aircraft maker’s foray into the Indian skies. Coimbatore-based private carrier Paramount Airways will be the second buyer of Embrayer planes for its new commercial operation.

The IAF currently uses the Boeing 737 in its VIP squadron. However, when the Prime Minister and President travel abroad, Boeing 747 of Air India are pressed into service. To facilitate this, AI pulls its aircraft out of its fleet to accommodate the VIPs traveling abroad. This has upset the AI schedule several times in the past.