In Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Planes, Brazilians and Foreigners from Ukraine Arrive in Brazil

 In Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Planes, Brazilians and Foreigners from Ukraine Arrive in Brazil

 

For many families, relief and hope as they leave the scene of war in Ukraine. For the Brazilian Air Force (FAB – Força Aérea Brasileira), another mission successfully accomplished. In a mood of emotion, 68 refugees landed this Thursday (March 10), in the capital of Brazil, at 12:28 pm, in two FAB aircraft. In a KC-390 Millennium and a VC-99B Legacy, the passengers, also accompanied by eight dogs and two cats, took off from Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday (March 09), with the support of Brazilian diplomacy.

 

The inter-ministerial action, called Operation Repatriation, took place in an integrated manner between the Ministries of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), Defense (MD), Foreign Affairs (MRE), Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), Health (MS) and Infrastructure (MINFRA).

 

The reception was attended by the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro; the Minister of Defence, Walter Souza Braga Netto; the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior; among other civil and military authorities.

 

Upon arriving in Brasília, the aircraft were intercepted by two FAB F-5M fighter jets, at which time one of the pilots transmitted a message to the passengers. “The Brazilian Government welcomes the rescued Brazilians and foreigners, who are now approaching landing in our capital. It is a source of pride for the Brazilian Air Force – The wings that protect the country –  to complete this mission, bringing everyone safely to the nation that welcomes them. May the new days be of peace, tranquility and hope in the Beloved Homeland Brazil”.

 

A technical landing was carried out at Recife Air Base (BARF) on the morning of Thursday, February 10, 2022 and then the planes took off to Brasília Air Base (BABR), where 42 Brazilians, 20 Ukrainians, five Argentines and one Colombian were welcomed.

 

The Mission aircraft – Embraer KC-390 Millennium

 

The Embraer KC-390 Millennium, one of the aircraft that transported the repatriated Brazilians, is a multi-mission military aircraft developed and built in Brazil by the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, the aircraft is also considered the largest military aircraft built in Latin America.

 With the ability to perform various missions, such as Logistic Air Transport and In-Flight Refueling (REVO), among others. The aircraft was developed to meet the FAB's operational requirements, providing strategic mobility to the Brazilian Defense Forces.

 

According to the aircraft's Commander, Major Aviator Anderson Dias Santiago, from the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) - Zeus Squadron, the vector was specially equipped for Operation Repatriation. “We installed another bathroom and a galley for the preparation of stewardesses in support of all passengers, so that they had as much comfort as possible, taking advantage of the capabilities and spaces of the aircraft”, he explained.

 

Return to the Homeland: Gratitude and emotion

 

Pastor Rodrigo Rocha Coutinho, born in Campos dos Goytacazes (RJ), arrived in Brazil with his wife Elena Rocha Coutinho, stepdaughter and grandchildren. He commented that there are no words to describe the relief of returning to the Motherland, as Ukraine faces its 15th day of war. "We live in a city that is being heavily bombed. By the grace of God we managed to escape amid the attacks", said the returnee.

 

Football Player Jackson Fernando Soares Junior reported on the situation in Ukraine, in the midst of clashes with Russia. “It took almost two days to leave Ukraine and cross to the Polish border. The situation is delicate,” he stressed.

 

The Brazilian doctor Amarilis Tomaz Cabral, 28 years old and who had lived in Ukraine for five years, arrived in Brazil with a feeling of gratitude. “We had a great trip and we just have to thank you. We really were rescued and we are back in Brazil to be among friends,” she pointed out.

 

Soccer Coach Luiz Jurescu also told of the satisfaction of returning to Brazil. “Because of this tragedy that occurs in Europe, we are back. Despite the context, this experience with the FAB was wonderful, everyone is to be congratulated on bringing the Brazilians, in relation to the treatment of animals and it is a pleasure to be back”, he concluded.

 

After landing in Brasília, all Brazilians and foreigners will receive support from the Brazilian government to return to their home states and meet their families.

Watch the full report below:

 

* Disclamer: 

This publication is sourced and edited by the Air Force Agency with text by Lieutenant Flávia Rocha and revised by Major Oliveira Lima. An adaptation and re-published by MORE THAN FLY (MAIS QUE VOAR).

Photos: Zeus Squad; Lieutenant Felipe Bueno and Corporal Alexandrino (II COMAR); Sergeant Figueira, Sergeant Müller Marin and Sergeant Viegas (CECOMSAER). 

This publication was written in Portuguese (Brazil) and automatically translated by Google robots to English. MORE THAN FLY, adopted Google technology for everyone around the world to have access to information and optimize our time and budget with translations. We ask for common sense to take into account translation errors. After all, every robot is limited and is never compared to the superiority of a human intelligence.