Emirates airline performs first A380...

Display celebrates return of second daily Dubai-Johannesburg service

UAE airline Emirates has conducted its first A380 flypast over South Africa in celebration of its longstanding commitment to the nation.

Emirates’ low-level aerial showcase was witnessed by more than 62,000 spectators at Emirates Airline Park just before kick-off of the recent Springboks vs All Blacks test match.

Flying at an altitude of just 500 feet, the double-decker aircraft saluted rugby and aviation fans as it made it historic journey. Emirates is the first international airline to execute such a display in South Africa.

The A380 took off from OR Tambo International Airport at 4pm, travelling at a speed of 140 knots, reaching the stadium at 4:58pm following the teams’ national anthems.

The flyover followed months of cross-functional planning between stakeholders including multiple teams at Emirates, South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Emirates pilots, flight operation managers and air traffic controllers together with the Emirates Lions team.

The teams collaborated on every element of the aerial display, considering air traffic patterns at different times of the day and weighing different weather and wind conditions.

Emirates’ Country Manager of Southern Africa Afzal Parambil said: “It represents not just an achievement of technical excellence but encapsulates our ongoing partnership with key stakeholders and, of course, the strong relationship we’ve built with our customers and travel partners here over the years.

“We look forward to the next 30 years, and beyond, of serving South Africa and spotlighting its many attractions to the world.”

Ellis Park Stadium Managing Director, Pieter Burger, added: “The flyover has become such a pre-match entertainment staple at the iconic Emirates Airline Park. First witnessed in 1995 at the final of the international rugby showpiece where the South African national rugby team was victorious, to have had this moment tonight against the very same opposition was a thrilling experience for fans watching at the stadium and home.”

“We are extremely grateful to our long-time partner Emirates who were pivotal towards the success of this project, together with all other role players involved. From a lasting memory perspective, this will certainly be up there for those who had the privilege to witness the moment,” he added.

The flypast marks the return of Emirates’ second A380 service on its Dubai-Johannesburg route, which departs Dubai at 4.05am, landing in Johannesburg at 10:15am. The return service departs Johannesburg at 1.25pm and touch down in Dubai at 11.45pm.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

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