AMSTERDAM: The remains of 20 Malaysian victims of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy are now on their way home.
A special MAS flight carrying the first group of identified Malaysians departed from the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol here at approximately 3.40pm local time (9.40pm Malaysian time).
Nine out of the 20 were MAS crew members.
Earlier today, at slightly after 2pm local time (8pm Malaysian time), the white Boeing 747-F (freighter) bearing the MAS livery opened its cargo doors located at its starboard side.
As the doors opened, two caskets, draped in the distinct red, white, yellow and blue of the Jalur Gemilang could be seen.
Seven minutes later, MAS airport operations vice-president Datuk Baharom Mohd Yatim; second secretary to the Malaysian embassy in the Netherlands Halmah Hassan; and counsellor to the Malaysian embassy in Finland, Devrin Jeck, entered the cargo hold to begin inspection of the 17 caskets and three urns containing cremated remains, all of which were laid side by side.
After being given the go-ahead, the aircraft pushed back at approximately 3.21pm local time and taxiied to the runway before taking off.
The flight, bearing the call sign MH6129, is piloted by MAS' chief pilot of flight safety and human factors operation Datuk Captain Misman Leham; accompanied by Captain Bakri Othman, Captain Zaim Khalid and First Officer Yap Yoon Kong.
They are expected to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport tomorrow in time for the national day of mourning for the victims of the tragedy.
Earlier around 10am, the next of kin of the majority of the 20 victims arrived at the airport to board MH19 to return to Malaysia.
Prior to boarding, they also paid a visit to the MH17 memorial set up at the airport, leaving flowers and signing the condolence book.