Air India on Tuesday demanded Rs. 1,222 crore from the government for ferrying VIPs. The national carrier used five Boeing 747s, which it wanted to get rid off in 2009, for VIP operations in 2010.

With the decision on infusing Rs. 1,200 crore as equity in Air India expected soon, the government may consider giving the airline a little over Rs. 800 crore additionally as dues for operating flights for VVIP and evacuation operations carried out by it, sources said today.

Though Air India has billed an amount of Rs. 1,222 crore for dedicating five Boeing 747-400 planes for VVIP operations, the government could give the ailing airline Rs802 crore for the operation of three aircraft, they said.