Following concerns raised on social media regarding the low altitude of the aircraft flight, the airline Airlink stated that its flight over the DHL stadium in Cape Town was conducted within the safety parameters approved by aviation authorities.
Airlink's flight over the DHL stadium in Cape Town, which took place on Saturday before the Springboks vs All Blacks match, continues to be actively discussed on social media. FNB South Africa also participated in this discussion.
In an X post after the 'controversial flight,' FNB SA sent Airlink a 'gentle reminder,' as the Bok team prepares to meet the All Blacks in Johannesburg this weekend. FNB SA wrote: 'Chomi, we’re doing it again at my house next Saturday neh, @Fly_Airlink?'
Meanwhile, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) confirmed that another flight will take place before the third test match between South Africa and New Zealand at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.
For those who missed it, the flight included two Airlink Embraer aircraft: the green ZS-YAE E190 and the black ZS-YDE E195. These aircraft were decorated in the colors of the competing teams and carried the official Tournament logo.
Video recordings of the flight, which went viral on social media, show the aircraft flying low over the stadium. According to Airlink, the flight required meticulous planning and rehearsals, as it involved low-altitude flying at a speed of about 150 knots.
The airline reported that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approval, and support to ensure the safe execution of the flight.
Airlink stated in its release that 'two aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews, with each aircraft having three senior captains serving as commander, second pilot, and technical/safety expert. The flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flight was conducted within the approved and rehearsed SACAA altitude and speed restrictions.'
Analysis of ADS-B altitude data from FlightRadar24 showed that the aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the stadium roof. FlightRadar24 indicated that the lowest registered ADS-B altitude was 50 feet above sea level at standard pressure. After correction for local atmospheric pressure, FlightRadar24 estimated the aircraft's altitude to be in the range of 205 to 210 feet above sea level.
Airlink offered the regulator the black box data from both aircraft.