Air Headquarters Communication Squadron of the IAF

Air Headquarters Communication Squadron of the IAF was formed on 1 November 1947 and has been based at Air Force Station, Palam since its inception. The Squadron was presented the Colours by the President at the Palam Airport on 11.12.1984. This special cover with the special postmark was issued by the APS.

Ministry of Defence maintains a fleet of aircraft in the Air Force Communication Squadron at New Delhi to provide air transport within the country to VIPs. The squadron operates three Boeing 737, seven Avro aircraft and six MI-8 helicopters. The orders regulating the use of special VIP flights stipulate that except the President, Vice President, the Prime Minister and the Heads of foreign Governments who are categorised as "VVIP", other entitled personages (OEPs) i.e. Defence Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, Cabinet Secretary, other ministers of the Central Government, Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, Chiefs of the three Services, Defence Secretary and senior Service and civilian officers connected with Defence organisations can also avail of the facility of special flight. However, other entitled personages are to make use of commercial air services on official duty, whenever possible.

The Squadron adopted the motto 'Ba Hikmat, Himmat aur Hifazat' (with Wisdom, Courage and Safety) in 1952. In 1962 the President awarded the Squadron the 'Pegasus' crest (the mythological winged steed of the gods) and the motto was aptly changed to 'Seva aur Suraksha' (Service and Safety), signifying the Squadron's role and the essential character of its operations. This year the Squadron completes glorious service to the nation and the Indian Air Force.

Originally called Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (RIAF), it became Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (IAF) on India's becoming a Sovereign Republic. The Primary role of the squadron is to convey VVIPs/VIPs of India and visiting foreign heads of states and Governments.

Though established primarily to convey VIPs and provide flying practice to officers posted in non-flying units in and around the capital, the squadron has often gone beyond this charter to contribute its mite towards military operations in war and peace and has come to the aid of civil authorities time and again.