Airlink has cancelled its planned formation fly-by over FNB Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Springboks-All Blacks Test, citing unfavourable weather conditions.
The airline’s decision comes as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) continues examining its controversial fly-by over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on August 29.
The operation took place before the Springboks faced the All Blacks, but attracted public and media attention over concerns about the aircraft’s flight path and altitude.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the airline appreciated the public enthusiasm surrounding the formation flight, as well as the questions raised afterwards.
However, he stressed that the airline never intended for the fly-by to overshadow the rugby spectacle.
“We never intended to become the news or upstage Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry,” Engelbrecht said.
Airlink said safety had remained its “first consideration” throughout the planning and execution of the Cape Town operation.
The airline also voluntarily provided the aircraft’s digital flight data recordings to the SACAA to assist with the regulator’s compliance review.
Airlink Pulls FNB Stadium Fly-By Application
Airlink confirmed that it had withdrawn its application for a formation fly-by at FNB Stadium this weekend after weather forecasts indicated conditions it considered unsuitable for the operation.
“Safety comes first,” Engelbrecht said, while apologising to supporters who had been looking forward to another aerial display.
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The SACAA confirmed that Airlink communicated its withdrawal to the regulator on September 1.
The airline had submitted three applications for fly-bys linked to the rugby matches, with the first taking place in Johannesburg on August 22 and the second in Cape Town on August 29.
According to the SACAA, the Cape Town fly-by had been approved after the required processes had been completed, including a simulator practice flight and safety briefing.
The regulator is now assessing the Cape Town operation following the public and media attention it received.
SACAA Analyses Airlink Flight Data
The SACAA said it had requested additional information from Airlink as part of its assessment.
The regulator is expected to issue a report and recommendations once the review has been completed.
Airlink said its Digital Flight Data Recorders capture more than 1,000 parameters during flights, providing a detailed record of an aircraft’s operation.
The airline said the amount and complexity of information contained in the recordings meant the SACAA’s assessment would take time and that immediate conclusions should not be expected.
Airlink said it would continue cooperating with the aviation regulator as the review progresses.
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The SACAA’s assessment follows growing public discussion about the safety of the August 29 formation flight over DHL Stadium.
For now, however, there will be no repeat of the aerial spectacle at FNB Stadium this weekend, with Airlink choosing to put the weather conditions and safety considerations ahead of the planned fly-by.
