Emirates marked the return of the second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route as of September 1, providing more customer choice and travel options with Emirates’ iconic on-board products and world-class service.
EK761 departs from Dubai at 4.05am, landing in Johannesburg at 10.15am, with the return flight, EK762, departing Johannesburg at 1.25pm and touching down in Dubai at 11.45pm, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations in the Far East, Europe and the Middle East.
The milestone, one of three for the carrier and South Africa, was celebrated with the country’s first-ever A380 fly-past at the South Africa vs New Zealand match at Emirates Airline Park (formerly Ellis Park Stadium) in Johannesburg over the weekend.
According to Emirates, the remarkable low-level aerial showcase also marked Emirates’ first-ever fly-past in Africa and the first international airline to execute such a feat in South Africa.
“Honouring its shared love for rugby with over 62 000 enthusiastic spectators, Emirates flew the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft over Emirates Airline Park, just before kick-off of the much-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks Test match. Flying at an altitude of just 500 feet above the ground, the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft saluted rugby and aviation fans, in its latest signature livery,” said the airline.
Emirates revealed that its A380 took off from OR Tambo International Airport at 4pm, travelling at a speed of 140 kts, reaching the stadium at 4.58pm, perfectly timed to follow South Africa and New Zealand’s national anthems.
“The impressive aerial feat follows months of thorough and 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 working together with the Emirates Lions team.
“The teams worked together across every element of the aerial display, taking into account air traffic patterns at different times of the day with different weather and wind conditions,” added the airline.
Commenting on this, Afzal Parambil, country manager of southern Africa, Emirates, said the record-setting fly-past was a powerful display of their 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, OR Tambo International Airport, Emirates Lions and, of course, the strong relationship we’ve built with our customers and travel partners here over the years,” said Parambil.
He added that for almost three decades, Emirates had unlocked an array of choices for its customers by offering an outstanding on-ground and in-flight experience coupled with seamless global connectivity, and they’re not slowing down now.
“We look forward to the next 30 years, and beyond, of serving South Africa and spotlighting its many attractions to the world,” said Parambil.
Pieter Burger, Ellis Park Stadium managing director, said the flyover had become a pre-match entertainment staple at the iconic Emirates Airline Park that was 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 against the very same opposition was a thrilling experience for fans watching at the stadium and at 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,” said Burger.