FlySafair Unveils Protea-Themed Aircraft Designed by 22-Year-Old Student

Johannesburg, 5 November 2025 — South African airline FlySafair has revealed a new Protea-themed aircraft livery designed by 22-year-old Nelson Mandela University student Dinika Naidu. The unveiling, held at the airline’s Johannesburg hangar, marked one year since FlySafair became the Official Domestic Airline Partner of Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Naidu’s design was selected from hundreds of entries submitted in a national competition launched last year when the three-year sponsorship was announced. The winning artwork features flowing calligraphic lines inspired by the Protea flower and FlySafair’s branding, symbolising the unity between the national cricket teams and the airline.

FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon said the initiative was created to give fans a meaningful role in the partnership.

“When we partnered with Cricket SA, we wanted to do something uniquely South African, something that gave fans a real stake in the journey. Dinika’s design captures that spirit beautifully, and we’re proud to have it flying across the country,” Gordon said.

The partnership has coincided with a successful period for South African cricket. Earlier this year, the Proteas men’s team won the ICC Test World Cup, with FlySafair supporting the national trophy tour across the country. The women’s team has also delivered strong performances on the global stage.

CSA Chief Commercial Officer Mtunzi Jonas said the collaboration represents more than just sponsorship.

“This partnership is about more than logistics; it’s about unity, excellence, and connecting South African cricket fans around the country. Having a young South African designer play such a central role makes it even more significant,” Jonas said.

Naidu, a self-taught graphic designer who supports her studies through freelance work, said seeing her design on an aircraft was a dream come true.

“As a young designer, you dream about moments like this, but you never expect them to happen,” she said. “I’m so grateful to FlySafair and Cricket SA for this opportunity.”

The new livery incorporates elements from both brands, with curved lines surrounding a cricket player to represent motion and collaboration.

Looking ahead, FlySafair and CSA plan to host fan activations during the domestic cricket season, as both the men’s and women’s teams prepare for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

“This partnership is about celebrating South African cricket and creating extraordinary moments along the way,” Gordon said. “With Dinika’s design now flying our skies, we’re taking that celebration to new heights.”

The Protea-liveried aircraft will operate on FlySafair’s domestic routes, ensuring visibility at airports across the country.