South African airline pull fly-over for third Test amid investigation

Airlink – the South African airline behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalary flyover that has the aviation world doing cartwheels – has pulled a request for a fly-over for the third Test.

The stunt, which came within a little over 40 feet of the top of Cape Town’s DHL stadium, has been the talk of the aviation world since last weekend and it has made headlines around the globe, with many shocked as to how low the aircraft came to the packed stadium prior to the kick-off between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

The maneuver is being probed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

“We are currently conducting a compliance verification just to satisfy ourselves that all safety protocols were adhered to by the crew,” said the SACAA executive Phindiwe Gwebu.

Yesterday Airlink said it will provide black box data to demonstrate that its much-discussed low flyover complied with aviation regulations.

The two Embraer 190 jets flew at a minimum altitude of about 46 feet above the stadium roof, according to Flightradar24. Airlink said data from the aircrafts’ flight recorders shows the fly-past was conducted within the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits.

However, the airline has decided to pull its fly-over for the third Test, withdrawing its request.

Undoubtedly it has been a massive marketing success for the airline, whose two planes have now been seen by hundreds of millions of people worldwide thanks to the furore over the near miss.

An Airlink statement after the incident read: “Airlink notes the concerns expressed in various social media and online forums regarding yesterday’s formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.

“The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude, at around 150 knots. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby.

“The two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crew, with each comprised of three senior captains operating in the roles of commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.

“The flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flights were performed within the SACAA’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast.”