Highlights
- The BJP government in Gujarat has purchased a new aircraft worth Rs 191 crore for Chief Minister and other dignitaries of the state.
- The aircraft named ‘Bombardier Challenger 650’ can carry 12 passengers and has flying range of 7,000 kilometers.
- The state government already has one which can withhold nine passengers.
The Bharatiya Janta Party’s government in Gujarat has bought a new aircraft worth Rs 191 crore for its Chief Minister and other dignitaries like governor, deputy Cm to name a few.
On Wednesday, the officials had stated that two-engine ‘Bombardier Challenger 650’ would be delivered within two weeks.
The new aircraft can carry 12 passengers and has a flying range of 7,000 kilometers, much more than the present ‘Beechcraft Superking’ aircraft possessed by the current government. The Beechcraft has been used to ferry the dignitaries of the state since last 20 years.
Director of Civil Aviation, Captain Ajay Chauhan said that would take another two months before the new jet can become airborne as they need to take various approvals from the concerned authorities.
“Currently, the state government possesses Beechcraft Superking aircraft which can withhold nine passengers at a time”, said an official.
He said that the procurement process for the aircraft under construction started five years ago. “Finally we have succeeded in acquiring a new aircraft in the third bid”, said the official.
He said that the new aircraft has more flying range than the former one. Now, the dignitaries can travel to China and other neighbouring countries.
“Refuelling the former aircraft was a tedious task. It would take around five hours to reach Guwahati. Now, we can cover same distance in 1hour and 40 minutes with the new aircraft,” he said.
