GANDHINAGAR: Chief minister Anandiben Patel is set to get new wings with the Gujarat government likely to spend Rs 100 crore to buy a new aircraft for her.The existing carrier — a nine-seater Super King Air Beechcraft 200 — needs to be grounded in December 2014 after it completes the maximum recommended lifespan of 15 years."The present aircraft was bought for Rs 19.12 crore by then CM Keshubhai Patel from an agent in 1999. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Public Account Committee had criticized the purchase procedure then.The maximum lifespan of the aircraft ends this year. This aircraft faces technical glitches time and again, forcing the CM and other VVIPs to use private planes. Buying a new aircraft is inevitable," said a source.A high-level technical committee has recommended the purchase of a 12-to-15 seater new aircraft with the latest amenities and best safety standards as suggested by the Director General of Civil Aviation."The state government has allocated Rs 1 crore to initiate the process of buying the plane through global tendering. Soon, advertisements will be placed in international publications. Due to increased prices and the high dollar rate, the new aircraft may cost over Rs 100 crore," the official said.After the death of Andhra Pradesh ex-CM YSR Reddy in an air crash, a slew of safety standards were made compulsory. Accordingly, Rs 10.85 crore was spent on installing new safety equipment in the aircraft which will soon be retired.Last year, the state government had allocated Rs 17.36 crore to hire private aircraft and helicopters as one aircraft and chopper were insufficient. This fund is in addition to the routine fuel, maintenance and other staff expenses that cost the exchequer Rs 5 crore to Rs 7 crore per annum.