Two Airlink jets passed less than 50 feet above the roof of a packed South African stadium during a carefully rehearsed flyover that sparked an international debate about aviation safety.
The Embraer E195 and smaller E190 flew over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium shortly before the Springboks faced New Zealand on 29 August.
Viral footage showed the two aircraft approaching in formation as pyrotechnic smoke rose from the stadium. Some camera angles made the lead jet appear almost level with the roof.
However, Airlink said the flyover had been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic and Navigation Services.
“The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal,” the airline said in a statement issued on 30 August.
