As an official sponsor of the Proteas, FlySafair performed two precisely timed flypasts using an aircraft featuring the Proteas branded livery. The display formed part of the Pink Day event, which sees the Wanderers Stadium transformed into a display of pink as fans, families, survivors, players and corporate partners unite in support of breast cancer awareness.

Pink Day raises support for the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The unit assists more than 350 newly diagnosed patients annually and serves as a training centre for medical professionals across Africa.

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, said the airline is proud to support South African sport as the trusted domestic carrier for the Springboks and both the men’s and women’s Proteas teams. He noted that Pink Day represents unity and support for families affected by breast cancer, adding that the flyover symbolised solidarity with Cricket South Africa and South Africans impacted by the disease.

Cricket South Africa Public Affairs Executive Refentse Shinners said the organisation values its partnership with FlySafair, noting that the airline’s involvement extends beyond the field of play by enhancing the Pink Day experience for supporters. He added that the flyover represented a symbolic moment reflecting unity, remembrance and hope, and marked the first cricket stadium flyover at DP World Wanderers Stadium.

Operational Planning and Execution

The aircraft conducted two low-level display passes before and during match proceedings. The fixture also served as the Proteas’ official send-off ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Planning for the flyover began in 2025 and included route design, flight path modelling using tools such as Google Earth, reconnaissance flights using light aircraft and simulator validation. All operational plans were submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority for approval.

Three specially trained display captains operated the flight, with no passengers on board. The operation was supported by FlySafair’s safety, compliance, operations and technical teams. Ground-based coordination teams inside the stadium provided real-time timing updates via handheld radios to ensure precise overhead arrival.

Captain Murray Shaw, FlySafair display pilot, said low-level stadium operations require extremely precise timing and continuous flexibility until the final stages of execution. He described the operation as highly focused and demanding, but a privilege to conduct.

The aircraft was specially prepared for the event by FlySafair’s technical team to ensure optimal operational condition and presentation.

Fan Engagement Activities

FlySafair supported the event through additional fan activations, including competitions where spectators could win domestic return tickets by catching the first six of the match or by being selected on the fan cam while dressed in pink.

Expanding Aerial Display Heritage

The Pink Day flyover marked FlySafair’s first cricket stadium aerial display. The airline has conducted aerial displays at Springboks rugby matches since 2017. The Proteas partnership began in November 2024, with the Pink Day event representing the first aerial showcase linked to the cricket sponsorship.

FlySafair stated that its operational precision, reflected in its on-time performance record, extends to specialised operations such as stadium flyovers. The airline described the display as part of its broader commitment to connecting people, supporting national sport and contributing to social causes.

FlySafair has operated since 2014 and serves ten domestic destinations and five international routes within Africa. The airline has been recognised by Cirium as the world’s most on-time low-cost airline and has received multiple industry awards, including recognition at the 2025 SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards and the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in multiple years.