Ops Piramid

RMAF eyes successful end to Ops Piramid

February 07, 2011

Malaysian students board a RMAF C-130 transporter at the Cairo international airport, February 6, 2011. — Bernama pic

BUTTERWORTH, Feb 7 — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is confident that Ops Piramid will soon be over following their success in evacuating over half of the Malaysians in Egypt and sending them to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud said their three C-130 aircraft, three Malaysia Airlines (MAS) aircraft and another two from AirAsia have ferried 6,777 Malaysians until 1.15pm today.

“We expect our operation to relocate Malaysian students to Jeddah will be completed by today or tomorrow. The RMAF is glad to have been part of a successful operation codenamed Ops Piramid,” he told reporters at the Butterworth Air Base, here today.

He said the MV Bunga Mas 5 (BM5) ship arrived at the Suez Port in Egypt last Saturday and was reported to be ready to offer assistance if needed.

“There are possibilities that the ship will be used depending on the situation, but it will dock there until February 15,” he said.

Rodzali said the RMAF was also grateful for the assistance from the Royal Saudi Air Force which helped smoothen the process of relocating the Malaysians involved.

“We really appreciate their help in expediting our efforts as well as giving air space for our aircraft and helping them refuel,” he added. — Bernama

source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/rmaf-eyes-successful-end-to-ops-piramid/