On a historic day for both aviation and rugby, Emirates Airline staged a breath-taking aerial spectacle that thrilled over 62’000 fans at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg.

• The world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, the Emirates A380, executed a low-level flypast just 500 feet (152 meters) above the ground.
• This remarkable feat not only saluted the fervour of rugby enthusiasts but also marked a duo of milestones for Emirates and South Africa.
• The event celebrated the return of Emirates’ second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route and the first-ever A380 flypast in Africa.
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As the crowd at Emirates Airline Park eagerly awaited the much-anticipated test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks, they were treated to a jaw-dropping aerial display that underscored the unique bond between aviation and sports. The Emirates A380 took off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at precisely 4pm, soaring into the Johannesburg sky at a speed of 140 knots. By 4:58pm, the massive aircraft reached the stadium, perfectly timed to coincide with the conclusion of the South African and New Zealand national anthems.

The flypast was a masterstroke of timing and coordination, a result of months of meticulous planning involving multiple teams from Emirates, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and the Emirates Lions team. The A380’s approach to the stadium, flying at an altitude of just 500 feet, created a spectacle that left the audience in awe. The aircraft, adorned in its latest signature livery, gleamed against the Johannesburg skyline as it made its majestic pass over the stadium, symbolising the unifying power of sport and the shared passion for rugby.

UAE National Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, A380 Deputy Chief Pilot, commanded the flight, joined by an experienced crew that included Captain Khalid Binsultan, Captain Abdalla Al Hammadi, and Captain Richard Fiess. With 19 years of experience at Emirates and over 7’200 hours logged in the A380 cockpit, Captain Mubarak was the perfect choice to lead this groundbreaking flypast. His previous experience in similar displays, including the UAE National Day celebrations and the iconic Expo 2020 promotion flight around the Burj Khalifa, ensured that this event would be nothing short of spectacular.

Tonight’s record-setting flypast is a powerful display of our unwavering commitment to South Africa. It represents not just an achievement of technical excellence but encapsulates our ongoing partnership with key stakeholders in South Africa, including the Civil Aviation Authority, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Emirates Lions, and of course, the strong relationship we’ve built with our customers and travel partners here over the years.

// Country Manager of Southern Africa for Emirates, Afzal Parambil

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 at home.

// Managing Director of Emirates Airline Park, Pieter Burger

The flypast also marked the much-anticipated return of Emirates’ second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, which resumed on 1 September 2024. This added service enhances travel options for passengers, offering more convenience and flexibility with Emirates’ renowned onboard products and world-class service. The additional flight, EK761, departs Dubai at 4:05am, landing in Johannesburg at 10:15am. The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 1:25pm, arriving in Dubai at 11:45pm, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations in the Far East, Europe, and the Middle East.

As the Springboks faced off against the All Blacks in a thrilling match that would be remembered for years to come, the flypast added an unforgettable chapter to the history of Emirates Airline Park. The Springboks, embodying the spirit of perseverance, overcame a 10-point deficit in the final 15-minutes to clinch a 31-27 victory over New Zealand. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was relieved to come away with a victory and praised the players’ grit against a New Zealand team that controlled the game for long periods. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi praised the composure of his teammates for a remarkable come-from-behind victory. The result means the Springboks remain the only undefeated team in the competition after three rounds.

The match, coupled with the awe-inspiring A380 flypast, created a moment that rugby fans and aviation enthusiasts alike will remember for a years to come.

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