SAF JOINS IN SEARCH FOR MISSING INDONESIA AIRASIA PLANE

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has joined international search efforts to find the missing AirAsia plane, flight QZ8501.

Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 left Surabaya, Indonesia at 5.35am yesterday, 28 Dec, and was scheduled to arrive at Singapore's Changi Airport at 8.30am (Singapore time). However, the Airbus A320-200 lost contact with air traffic control at about 7.20am.

On board were seven crew members and 155 passengers, one of whom was a two-year-old Singaporean girl travelling with her Briton father.

Following news of the plane's disappearance, Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke to his counterpart, Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, and extended Singapore's assistance: "I told him that our SAF planes and ships were already on standby. If he needed their services or any other assistance, the SAF is ready to help."

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 Hercules plane took off from Paya Lebar Air Base at around 5pm, arriving at the search area at about 6.30pm. It carried out search-and-locate (SAL) operations for two hours before the Indonesian authorities called off the search for the night.

At about 6.30 this morning, another C-130 aircraft was deployed to carry out searches. A C-130 departed for the third sortie at around noon.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is also participating in the SAL operations.

At 11.55 last night, Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing sent off Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme. Missile corvette RSS Valour from Changi Naval Base also set sail last night to join the SAL operations.

Mr Chan commended the RSN personnel for mobilising at short notice and wished them well for the operation. He added that the close relationship shared by Singapore and Indonesia would facilitate the operation: "I believe that with the strong relationship that Indonesia and Singapore have built up over many years, which transcends all levels, from the highest political level to the military commanders, we will be able to work closely and execute the search and locate operation effectively."

According to Dr Ng, an LST will be joining the Formidable-class frigate and missile corvette in the search, and will set off this evening. A submarine support and rescue vessel is also on standby.