Airlink confirmed that it is cooperating with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regarding concerns about the formation of a flight conducted by two of its aircraft over the DHL stadium in Cape Town before the football match between the Springboks and All Blacks on August 29th.
The regulator has the right to take enforcement action if it is found that the airline violated aviation rules during this flight. SACAA sent its report to Airlink and invited the airline to respond to the recommendations put forward. Aviation Commissioner Poppy Khoza stated that the regulator will assess the response before making any appropriate decision.
In an official statement, Airlink CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht said that the airline has always prioritized the safety of passengers, the public, the crew, the aircraft, and its operations. He specified that this principle guided the planning, consultations, and preparation for the flights over the sports stadium, which began in April.
Engelbrecht added that the results of the planning and execution of the flights influenced the decision to cancel the third scheduled flight due to unfavorable weather conditions. Airlink noted that the flight over the Cape Town stadium required careful planning and rehearsals, as it was conducted at a low altitude at a speed of approximately 150 knots.
The airline reported that SACAA and the Air Navigation and Traffic Control Service provided guidance, approval, and support to ensure the safe execution of the flight.
Airlink voluntarily provided SACAA with the flight data recorder (black box) recordings from the aircraft involved in the flight over the Cape Town stadium. Furthermore, the airline submitted other relevant documents and records, including those pertaining to the permission received from the regulator.
According to Airlink, the flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the flight was conducted within the approved and rehearsed height and speed limits set by SACAA to ensure safety. The airline also indicated that the two aircraft were operated by highly qualified crews, with three senior captains on each aircraft serving as commander, second pilot, and technical/inspection officer.
Khoza emphasized that the regulator will not jeopardize the safety of passengers, crews, or the public to protect the interests of any operator. She stated: 'As we have done so far as the Regulator, we will not compromise on the safety of passengers, crews, or the public to protect the interests of any operator.'
She continued: 'We will assess Airlink's response and take appropriate measures in accordance with our mandate and applicable regulatory processes.' Engelbrecht responded that Airlink is prepared to comply with any further investigation or actions recommended by SACAA, within the framework of applicable South African law and regulations.