The mysterious Modi jet
Sunday Guardian
IT and ED sleuths are trying to draw a bead on IPLCommissioner's Lalit Modi's Bombardier Challenger 300 series luxuryjet which he seems to have 'acquired' sometime in 2008. Modi wasreportedly using Cyprus and Mauritius bank accounts to funnel hismoney abroad.The Challenger 300 charter jet, considered asuper-mid-sized aircraft, is produced byBombardier Aerospace Company. Developed in 1999 and previously brandedthe 'Bombardier Continental', this executive business jet was renamedChallenger 300 in 2002. The Challenger 300 is a twin engine businessjet, capable of traversing trans-continental distances. It has animpressive range of over 3,000 nautical miles and can hit speeds of upto 528 mph. The Challenger 300 has one of the widest cabins of anyprivate jet in its class stretching over seven feet. This spaciouscabin is typically configured for eight passengers and two crew,making this luxury jet sophisticated and extremely comfortable.Premier League boss Modi has been using this jet to fly around thecountry and abroad. The plane was acquired in Ireland. Golden Wings, aMumbai-based private charter firm that operates the aircraft in Indiaacquired it on lease from Peel Aviation, a Shell company in Ireland.According to industry sources the aircraft, a 2007 Bombardier modelwith a registration number VT-RAK is worth $19.21 million.Considered a best of breed jet, it is chartered at approximately asteep Rs 2.75 lakh per hour.In addition to a standup cabin, a luxurious toilet and a satellitephone the luxury jet also has a gallery to store food, a microwave, acoffee maker and tea maker. It is not known whether Modi owns theaircraft or leases it from Golden Wings, but speculation has been rifethat he owns it and this is what IT and ED are investigating. For theaircraft costs close to Rs 90 crore.
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