The reveal took place at FlySafair’s Johannesburg hangar, marking the anniversary of the airline becoming the Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Proteas. The fan-designed livery was chosen from hundreds of entries in a nationwide competition launched when the three-year sponsorship was announced in October 2024.

Naidu’s winning design features elegant calligraphic lines inspired by the protea flower and FlySafair’s iconic branding, symbolising unity between South Africa’s cricketing spirit and the country’s leading low-cost carrier.

“When we partnered with Cricket SA, we wanted to do something uniquely South African, something that gave fans a real stake in the journey,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Dinika’s design captures that spirit beautifully, and we’re proud to have it flying across the country.”

The partnership has coincided with standout achievements for both the Proteas men’s and women’s teams. The men’s side celebrated their ICC Test World Cup title earlier this year, with FlySafair supporting the nationwide trophy tour. Meanwhile, the women’s team continues to deliver world-class performances on the global stage.

“This partnership is about more than logistics — it’s about unity, excellence, and connecting South African cricket fans around the country,” said Mtunzi Jonas, Chief Commercial Officer at CSA. “Having a young South African designer play such a central role in this story makes it even more meaningful.”

For Naidu, a self-taught graphic designer and student at Nelson Mandela University, seeing her work come to life has been a defining career moment.

“As a young designer, you dream about moments like this, but you never expect them to happen,” she said. “I’m so grateful to FlySafair and Cricket SA for this opportunity — it really feels like I’ve made it.”

Her design blends colours from both FlySafair and Proteas branding, with flowing lines framing a cricket player to represent motion, pride, and partnership.

Looking ahead, FlySafair and CSA will continue their collaboration through fan activations during the domestic season, building excitement towards the 2027 Cricket World Cup, set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“This partnership is about celebrating South African cricket and creating extraordinary moments along the way,” added Gordon. “With Dinika’s design now flying our skies, we’re taking that celebration to new heights — literally.”

The new Protea-liveried aircraft will operate on FlySafair’s domestic routes, ensuring fans across the country can experience this uniquely South African celebration of sport, design, and national pride.