Missing QZ8501: SAF all ready to help in search operation

UPDATE (5.20pm): Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said Singapore offered our planes and ships to BASARNAS, the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency, to assist in the search of missing QZ8501. One RSAF C130 had also been launched after Singapore received confirmation from the Indonesian authorities to assist in the search.

At 5.20pm: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew mentioned on his Facebook page that Changi Airport Group has set up a Relative Holding Area to offer help to relatives of the missing passengers.

Earlier on, Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, said on his Facebook page that his prayers are with the passengers and crew of missing airlines QZ8501. He also extended assistance to Indonesia in its search and rescue efforts.

The Singapore Armed Forces is all ready to assist in the search operations for the AirAsia plane that went missing after taking off from Surabaya for Singapore this morning. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said it has placed two C-130 aircraft on standby and would offer more help if required.

Here is Mindef's statement:

SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES PREPARED TO ASSIST IN SEARCH AND LOCATE OPERATION

An AirAsia aircraft from Surabaya to Singapore lost contact with air traffic control at 7.24am this morning.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has placed two C-130 aircraft on standby to assist in the search and locate operation.

The Singapore Armed Forces stands ready to commit more assets if required for the operation.