FlySafair took to the skies above DP World Wanderers Stadium on Thursday with a special stadium flyover celebrating the iconic Pink Day T20 International between the Proteas and the West Indies, one of South Africa’s most significant sporting initiatives supporting breast cancer awareness.

As proud sponsors of the Proteas, FlySafair conducted two precisely timed flypasts featuring its Proteas-branded aircraft, creating a powerful moment of national pride and unity for fans in a packed Wanderers.

Pink Day has become a deeply unifying tradition, turning the stadium into a sea of pink as supporters, players, survivors and corporates rally behind the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from the event support the Breast Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, which assists more than 350 newly diagnosed patients each year and serves as a training hub for medical professionals across the continent.

“As the trusted domestic carrier for the Springboks and both the men’s and women’s Proteas cricket teams, FlySafair is proud to support South African sport. Pink Day represents something far greater than the game. It is about unity, hope and standing with families affected by breast cancer,” said FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon.

Cricket South Africa Public Affairs Executive Refentse Shinners praised the partnership, noting that the flyover delivered a “deeply symbolic moment that captured the spirit of unity, remembrance and hope” and marked the first-ever flyover at DP World Wanderers Stadium.

Precision Planning Behind the Flyover

While the flypast lasted only seconds for spectators, it represented months of detailed planning. Preparations began in 2025 and included route design, flight path modelling, reconnaissance flights and simulator validation, with all plans approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Three specially trained display captains were onboard the aircraft, with no passengers permitted, supported by FlySafair’s safety, operations, compliance and technical teams. Ground coordinators inside the stadium provided real-time timing cues via radio to ensure precise execution.

“The margins for error are extremely tight when flying low level over a stadium. Timing is critical and requires constant flexibility,” said FlySafair display pilot Captain Murray Shaw. “It is an intense and exhilarating operation and a privilege to be part of.”

The aircraft was specially prepared by FlySafair’s technical team to ensure peak performance and presentation for the event.

A Milestone Flyover

The Pink Day flypast marked FlySafair’s first-ever cricket stadium flyover. While the airline has been a familiar presence at Springboks rugby matches since 2017, this display represented a milestone in its partnership with the Proteas, which began in November 2024.

“This flyover symbolises our commitment to uniting people with who and what they love whether through travel, sport or causes that matter,” Gordon added.