AIR INDIA VVIP FEES TO BE HALVED BY THE GOVERNMENT

The Indian government has questioned whether Air India should receive even half of the Rs 800-crore it has sought from the government for flying VVIPs abroad. The finance ministry has been quoted as saying it is “unexamined figure and has indicated that it will release only about Rs 100 crore more. It has asked us to suggest cheaper alternatives to carry out VVIP operations.” The government is considering whether the air force would be a cheaper option for such operations. Since 2003, a Boeing 747-437 B, equipped with jamming equipment, anti-missile systems and aerial refuelling facility has been used to