As the Springboks celebrated a thrilling victory over the All Blacks at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium this past Saturday, FlySafair took to the skies to add another layer of excitement to the event. Performing its fourth flyover, the airline executed its first-ever spectacle above the Mother City stadium, uniting South Africans in the spirit of rugby and national pride.
“As the trusted domestic carrier for the Springboks since 2017, FlySafair is a proud supporter of our national rugby team as they continue to work hard to reach the top spot in World Rugby Men’s Rankings,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The flyover this past Saturday was not only to cheer the Boks on but a show of unity in bringing South Africans together through the power of sport.”
Though the flyover lasted only a few seconds, the achievement was a result of months of meticulous planning, preparation, and collaboration to deliver this historic aerial display.
A Complex Undertaking
Executing a low-altitude flyover is no simple task. The complexity requires securing approvals, selecting an experienced crew, running simulator sessions, and conducting real-flight rehearsals. “We begin preparations well in advance,” shared Captain Steve van der Merwe, who led the flyby aircraft. “Every detail is meticulously orchestrated, from safety protocols to the exact flight path.”
Safety, as with any flight, remains paramount. FlySafair adheres to the Special Air Events (S.A.E) guidelines set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), ensuring every flyover is carried out with precision and care. Joining Captain van der Merwe were Captain Pierre Gouws, along with safety pilots Captain Peter Ladiellis and First Officer Scott Ternent, who together ensured a flawless performance.
Rigorous Preparation for a Momentous Event
Much like the Springboks’ extensive preparation leading up to a match, the FlySafair team engages in rigorous rehearsals for each flyover. “We spent countless hours perfecting the flight path in simulators and practised the real route in the aircraft to ensure nothing was left to chance,” explained Captain van der Merwe.
While Cape Town’s winter weather can be notoriously unpredictable, the forecast aligned favourably for this event, allowing the flyover to proceed as planned.
Precision in the Skies and Beyond
Known as the “world champions of on-time performance,” FlySafair prides itself not only on its precision in the skies but also on offering punctual and seamless experiences for its passengers. The airline’s flyover was more than just a visual spectacle—it was a symbol of unity and national pride.
“The flyover symbolises our commitment to uniting people with who and what they love through our airline offerings,” said Gordon. “This extends to our support of national sport, which demonstrates the great things we can achieve together in building a better future for South Africa.”
As the Springboks soared to victory, FlySafair’s flyover served as a thrilling reminder of the power of sport to bring people together and inspire a sense of national pride.