Tana Malinga
Bold new livery celebrates one year of partnership, creativity, and national pride in the skies
Johannesburg, 2025,
The skies just got a little more South African flair! FlySafair, in proud partnership with Cricket South Africa (CSA), has unveiled a stunning new Protea themed aircraft livery designed by 22 year old Gqeberha student Dinika Naidu. The grand reveal took place at FlySafair’s Johannesburg hangar, marking one year since the airline became the Official Domestic Airline Partner of the Proteas.
Naidu’s design was chosen from hundreds of entries in a nationwide competition that kicked off when FlySafair announced its three year sponsorship in October 2024. Her creation features flowing calligraphic lines inspired by the Protea flower and FlySafair’s signature branding, blending elegance with national spirit. The result is a design that embodies unity between South Africa’s cricket heroes and the country’s favourite low cost airline.
“This past year has been absolutely incredible,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “When we partnered with Cricket SA, we wanted to do something truly South African — something that gave fans a real sense of belonging. Dinika’s design captures that beautifully, and we’re proud to see it taking flight across the nation.”
The partnership has mirrored success both in the air and on the field. The Proteas men’s team lifted the ICC Test World Cup trophy earlier this year, with FlySafair proudly flying the iconic mace on a nationwide trophy tour. The Proteas women’s team has also impressed globally, cementing their place among the best in the world.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with FlySafair,” said Mtunzi Jonas, Chief Commercial Officer at CSA. “This partnership isn’t just about transport, it’s about unity, excellence, and connecting South Africans through their shared love of cricket. Having a young designer like Dinika at the heart of it makes the story even more special.”
For Naidu, a self taught graphic designer and Nelson Mandela University student who funds her studies through freelance work, seeing her artwork brought to life on a real aircraft felt surreal. “I don’t think there are words to describe how excited I am,” she said. “As a young designer, you dream about moments like this, I’m so grateful to FlySafair and Cricket SA for believing in me.”
Her design draws on both FlySafair’s and the Proteas’ colours, featuring a cricket player in motion, surrounded by flowing lines that symbolize connection and movement. She describes the look as “simple but powerful,” a perfect reflection of the partnership’s energy.
As the partnership enters its next exciting chapter, FlySafair and CSA are gearing up for a summer packed with local fixtures, fan activations, and celebrations, all leading toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup, to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“This partnership is about more than flights or fixtures, it’s about celebrating South African cricket and creating unforgettable moments along the way,” added Gordon. “From flying the World Cup trophy to cheering on our women’s team, it’s been a privilege. And now, with Dinika’s design soaring across our skies, we’re quite literally taking South African pride to new heights.”
The Protea liveried aircraft will proudly operate across FlySafair’s domestic routes, turning every take off and landing into a flying celebration of national spirit.
About FlySafair
FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks and Proteas offers budget-friendly flights starting at R570* for domestic travel between ten destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African neighbours from Johannesburg starting from R1 400*, as well as Cape Town to Windhoek, starting at just R1 800*.
Since operations began in 2014, the airline has been ranked the top on-time low-cost airline in the world by Cirium. In 2023, FlySafair received five awards at the Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Best Airline Operator/Airline, Aviation Maintenance Organisation Award: Medium – Large, and Aviation Professional presented to CEO Elmar Conradie. The airline also earned the Best Airline Award as voted by the public. FlySafair was also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
About Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is the governing body for cricket in South Africa, responsible for the Proteas men’s and women’s national teams. CSA is committed to growing cricket at all levels, from grassroots development to elite international competition. Recent achievements include the men’s team winning the ICC Test World Cup and the women’s team’s outstanding performances on the global stage. South Africa will co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup alongside Botswana and Namibia.
