Airlink responds to concerns over low-flying aircraft during Cape Town stadium flyby
Airlink has responded to concerns over its low-altitude formation flyby above Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, saying the flight was carefully planned, rehearsed and conducted within safety limits.
Airlink, the South African airline, has addressed concerns over the low-flying aircraft during a formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series. The flyby, which took place on Saturday, involved two Embraer E190 aircraft, painted in the colors of the Springboks and All Blacks, respectively.
Airlink stated that the low-altitude flight required meticulous planning and rehearsal, with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services providing guidance and approval. The airline emphasized that the two highly experienced crews, each with three senior captains, ensured the flyby adhered to safety altitude and speed limits.
However, FlightRadar24’s analysis of the aircraft’s ADS-B altitude data revealed that the planes passed less than 50 feet above the stadium’s top, with the lowest recorded altitude being 50 feet above mean sea level. Considering the stadium’s height of around 164 feet and the clearance between the aircraft and the structure, FlightRadar24 estimated the clearance to be between 41 and 46 feet.
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