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Singapore's A330 multi-role tanker transport (A330-MRTT) aiding in evacuation efforts has successfully landed in Germany.
The aircraft successfully landed in Germany with 149 evacuees from Afghanistan, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen announced in a Facebook post on Saturday (Aug. 28).
"Their relief was palpable"
The aircraft departed from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where some evacuees from Afghanistan are currently relocated.
Evacuees on board the A330-MRTT. Photo via Ng Eng Hen/Facebook.
"As they boarded and took to the skies, their relief was palpable. The evacuees have since landed in Germany, with renewed hope for their lives ahead," Ng said in his post.
A statement from Mindef on Thursday (Aug. 26) noted that there were 77 personnel, comprising pilots, aircrew, engineers and Singapore Army security personnel onboard the aircraft to assist in the humanitarian mission.
The aircraft took off from Changi Air Base (East) on Thursday night, headed for Qatar. It would transport evacuees from Qatar to Germany or other receiving countries, Mindef said in its statement.
Ng added: "For our SAF men and women on the ground, each person or family successfully transported brings immense satisfaction and meaning to their mission."
Evacuees alighting from the aircraft in Germany.
Singapore's offer of A330-MRTT conveyed during Kamala Harris' visit
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore would offer the aircraft to aid evacuation efforts in Afghanistan during his press conference with U.S. vice president Kamala Harris on Aug. 23.
Harris thanked PM Lee for the "very generous offer".
The A330-MRTT can carry up to 37,000 kg of cargo or 266 personnel, and can be configured easily to accommodate a wide range of airlift missions, according to Mindef.
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Top photo via Ng Eng Hen/Facebook