SINGAPORE, Sept. 29 -- The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has begun using a new runway at Changi Air Base East as preparations continue for the eventual relocation of its Paya Lebar Air Base operations.

The Straits Times reported that the RSAF announced on September 28 that an aircraft had made the first take-off from the new runway earlier that day, while the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the service was moving operations from Runway 02R/20L to Runway 03/21.

The move is part of longer-term plans to relocate Paya Lebar Air Base from 2030 onwards, a redevelopment that will make way for homes, offices, factories and parks.

The relocation, announced in 2013, depends on Changi Air Base East and Tengah Air Base being expanded su...