Airlink has responded to concerns about how low two of its aircraft flew during a formation flyby over DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
The display formed part of the build-up to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series clash between the Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks.
Questions about the aircraft’s altitude emerged on social media and online forums following the flyby.
Airlink said the manoeuvre was carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft travelling at low altitude at around 150 knots.
Airlink says flyby was approved
The airline said the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approval and support for the display.
Both aircraft were operated by experienced crews.
Each plane carried three senior captains who served as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer.
Airlink said flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the flyby remained within the altitude and speed limits approved and rehearsed with SACAA.
FlightRadar24 data raises questions
FlightRadar24’s analysis of ADS-B altitude data suggested the aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the top of the stadium.
According to its calculations, the lowest recorded ADS-B altitude was 50 feet above mean sea level at standard pressure.
After adjusting for local atmospheric pressure, FlightRadar24 estimated that the aircraft were flying between 205 and 210 feet above mean sea level.
DHL Stadium is located close to sea level and reaches approximately 164 feet in height.
Based on those figures, FlightRadar24 calculated that the aircraft could have cleared the stadium by between 41 and 46 feet.
Aircraft carried special liveries
The display featured two Airlink Embraer aircraft.
The green ZS-YAE E190 and black ZS-YDE E195 were liveried in the colours of the competing rugby teams and carried the official Tour logo.
Despite online concerns over the apparent proximity of the aircraft to the stadium, Airlink maintains that the manoeuvre was conducted within the approved safety parameters.