Flyover at FNB Stadium? What we can expect to see [video]

Rugby fans are hoping to see another phenomenal Airlink double flyover at the FNB Stadium this weekend when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in their third test match in the Greatest Rivalry series.

This follows the daring stunt at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, which made international headlines over the weekend.

AIRLINK TO PERFORM ANOTHER FLYOVER AT FNB STADIUM?

As they did at Ellis Park and the DHL Stadium, rugby fans are eagerly awaiting another double flyover at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September, where the Springboks will play the All Blacks again.

The venue – previously called Soccer City – is the largest stadium in South Africa, with a capacity of nearly 95 000.

FNB, the title sponsor of the stadium, has teased the possibility of another impressive aircraft stunt.

Tagging Airlink, the official X account of the bank tweeted: “Chomi, we’re doing it again at my house next Saturday, neh?”

When approached for comment, Airlink could not confirm plans for an upcoming flyover at FNB Stadium. Following the backlash of its double flyover at DHL Stadium, the airline has stated that it had operated within the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the stunt.

It has also submitted data recorded by both aircraft’s digital flight data recorders – also known as black boxes – to confirm that the flights were performed within the SACAA’s guidelines. 

THROWBACK TO MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The FNB Stadium has seen many memorable flyovers at the venue over the last few years.

When the venue first opened, in 2010 as Soccer City, five fighter jets performed a flypast over the stadium before the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

In 2013, an Airbus A330-200 named Charlotte Maxeke flew low over the stadium ahead of the Springboks’ match against Argentina. The flyover repeated the actions of pilot Laurie Kay’s 1995 Rugby World Cup flight over Ellis Park.

Last year, FlySafair performed the stadium’s first double flyover during the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.