Airlink has responded to criticism over Saturday’s formation flyover at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, where two of its Embraer aircraft passed over the packed venue shortly before South Africa played New Zealand.
The flyover was broadcast live and quickly went viral, with viewers questioning whether the aircraft appeared dangerously low. Airlink said the operation had been carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft flying at low altitude and around 150 knots under guidance and approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
The airline said each aircraft carried three senior captains, including a commander, co-pilot and safety and technical officer, meaning six experienced captains were involved across the two jets.
Airlink also stated that recorded flight data from both aircraft confirmed they remained within the approved altitude and speed limits established for the flyover.
Flightradar24 estimated that the lead aircraft passed around 41–46 feet above the stadium roof, although differences between GPS and barometric altitude readings could indicate greater clearance than suggested by the footage.