(MENAFN- Arab News) The General Security Aviation Command will once again take part in this year's Haj emergency plan with the Ministry of Interior and other authorities.

The command is participating with 18 (S92) multitasking aircraft and Black Hawk S701s.

More than 450 officers and soldiers of various technical and administrative specialties will take part in the operation. Flights will be scheduled over four stages.

Gen. Muhammad Eid Al-Harbi commander of security aviation said: 'Security aviation will take part in emergency cases including terrorists attacks. The aircraft are equipped with thermal cameras and shooting platforms.'

The aviation's mission in emergency cases includes transferring cases such as security snipers and others and following up with wanted people on board transferring hostages intercepting intrusion missions and securing the area for policemen.'

'Security aircraft are ready' he said. 'There is support and back up for aircraft which are ready with all their technical aircrew who are based in security aviation air bases in the Kingdom as back up if needed.'

The number of flights will gradually increase toward 9th and 10th of Dul Hijja. There will be one flight per hour.

Al-Harbi said: 'There are three air bases to be used in these missions during Haj season in Makkah the holy sites and Madinah.'

'Preparations for this pilgrimage season began immediately after last year's season by creating an inventory for all the work that has been implemented and evaluate them accurately at all levels along with sponsoring companies in order to get a comprehensive vision and upgrade the services provided by Security Aviation' said Al-Harbi.