The heavy shielding is crucial to protect the wiring and crucial electronics from the electromagnetic pulse associated with a nuclear blast. The 777-300ER's onboard electronics include about 238 miles of wiring (twice the amount found in a normal 777). They are capable of long-range travel removing the need for air-to-air refueling (which is a feature on the VC-25As though they have not been used at all in their service). The aircraft are fitted with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids, an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield and electronic countermeasures so as to provide protection from any ground-based or airborne threats and flares and glares for misleading the missile. However, under a special contract, they will be maintained by Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), which has experience maintaining the Boeing 777 series aircraft for Air India's commercial fleet. They bear no Air India markings and have no commercial dual-use. Unlike the 747s which were commercial aircraft, the newly inducted aircraft are military vessels formally owned and operated by the Indian Air Force.

The new aircraft, with specially-designed liveries, entered service in October 2020, replacing the Boeing 747-400s operated for the missions by Air India. In 2016, the Boeing 777-300ER was selected as SESF (VVIP transport). Initially, the Air India One was an Air India Boeing 747-400 which used to ferry the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. The IAF's Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, based at Air Force Station Palam, New Delhi is the unit responsible for coordinating the missions. Air India One (also referred to as AI1 AIC1 or INDIA 1) is the air traffic control call sign of any Special Extra Section Flight (SESF) operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the President of India, Vice President of India or Prime Minister of India.

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