Govt sources respond to @RahulGandhi on VVIP aircraft, say process to buy the planes was begun 10 years ago by UPA Govt.
"Like most other initiatives of the UPA, does Rahul Gandhi want to disown this procurement too? Modi Govt took the process to its logical conclusion".
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Acquisition of 2 new VVIPs aircraft began in 2011 with an Inter-Ministerial Group to study options for VVIP aircraft. IMG met 10 times and in 2012 suggested to either convert an existing B777 ER, or use one of the new ones that were ordered by Air India but yet to be delivered.

Cabinet Sectt proposed transfer of aircraft to @IAF_MCC in Aug, 2013. The famed Air India jumbo jets that were in use till now are over 25 years old. They are fuel-guzzlers- incapable of long, trans-Atlantic flights, forcing halts enroute for refueling & replenishment, srcs add.