According to The South African, Airlink is planning another flyover for the Springboks’ Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium this Saturday, following the widely discussed display in Cape Town.
The upcoming Test will be the Springboks’ final home match of the year.
Airlink, an official sponsor of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, also conducted flyovers for the first Test at Ellis Park and the match at DHL Stadium.
Cape Town flyover sparked debate
The Cape Town display attracted widespread attention after two Embraer E190 passenger aircraft flew over the packed stadium before the Springboks’ victory against the All Blacks.
The aircraft were painted in Springbok and All Blacks colours.
Flight-tracking estimates cited in the report suggested the lead aircraft cleared the stadium roof by about 12 to 14 metres, prompting debate on social media about the altitude of the flyover.
Airlink subsequently said the operation had been carefully planned and rehearsed.
Airlink says flyover met safety limits
According to Airlink, the two aircraft were flown by six senior captains, with three crew members in each aircraft serving as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer.
The airline said the formation travelled at around 150 knots.
Airlink added that the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approval and support for the operation.
Recorded flight data confirmed that both aircraft operated within the altitude and speed limits approved and rehearsed for the flypast, the airline said.
Aviation expert backs Cape Town display
Aviation expert Wouter Botes also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Cape Town flyover.
Speaking to East Coast Radio, Botes said he personally would not have flown as low but believed the activation had been well planned.
He described it as a successful publicity stunt and said the reaction surrounding it was unnecessary.
Despite the debate, another Airlink flyover is now expected ahead of Saturday’s Springboks-All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium.
The report does not provide details about the aircraft, altitude or exact flight path planned for the Johannesburg display.