In a grand display of aviation excellence, Emirates marked three major milestones for both the airline and South Africa with a low-level flypast of its iconic A380 over Emirates Airline Park. This remarkable aerial showcase celebrated the return of the second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, starting on September 1st.
As the world’s largest international airline, Emirates made history with South Africa’s first-ever A380 flypast. This event was not only a first for Africa but also a significant moment as Emirates became the first international airline to execute such a feat in the country.
The breathtaking display took place in front of over 62,000 spectators just before the highly anticipated Springboks vs. All Blacks test match. Flying at an altitude of just 500 feet, the double-decker aircraft soared over the stadium, celebrating both rugby and aviation in style with its latest signature livery.
The Emirates A380 took off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 16:00, reaching the stadium precisely at 16:58, perfectly timed with the national anthems of South Africa and New Zealand. This feat required months of meticulous planning by Emirates, South African Civil Aviation Authority, and other stakeholders, ensuring that every detail was accounted for.
The flight was commanded by UAE National Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, who has over 19 years of experience with Emirates and more than 7,200 hours in the A380 cockpit. He was joined by three other experienced pilots, all of whom played crucial roles in executing this historic flypast.
Afzal Parambil, Country Manager of Southern Africa for Emirates, expressed pride in the event, stating, “Tonight’s record-setting flypast showcases our unwavering commitment to South Africa and the strong partnerships we’ve built over nearly three decades. We look forward to continuing our journey with this incredible country, serving its people and promoting its attractions to the world.”
The flypast also celebrated Emirates’ second daily A380 service between Dubai and Johannesburg, offering travelers more choices and world-class service. The new service, EK761, departs Dubai at 04:05 and arrives in Johannesburg at 10:15, with a return flight, EK762, leaving Johannesburg at 13:25 and arriving in Dubai at 23:45.
As a long-standing supporter of rugby, Emirates is a major sponsor of South African rugby, including title sponsorship of the Emirates Lions and the Cape Town Sevens. Globally, Emirates has sponsored the Rugby World Cup since 2007 and will continue its support at the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Emirates has been a vital partner in South Africa’s aviation, tourism, and trade sectors for 29 years, connecting over 20 million travelers to more than 140 destinations through its Dubai hub. With 42 weekly flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, Emirates offers extensive connectivity, enhanced by its partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair.
