Sydney Seaplane


Sydney Seaplanes is a domestic and charter carrier in and around the Sydney Region and is the largest seaplane operator in Australia, operating hundreds of flights a week during the peak tourist season. Formally beginning in August 2006 with just one aircraft, Sydney Seaplanes grew in direct response to the growing incoming Asian tourist markets and the leisure VIP market including flying celebrities around when in Sydney, including Ed Sheeran, Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sam Smith, and Pippa Middleton.
In 2016, the new Rose Bay terminal was opened, 'Empire Lounge' as it is affectionately known as is Australia's first purpose built seaplane terminal. With uninterrupted water views and an outdoor decking area it is the ushering in of a new era of growth for the airline.

History

The airline was formed in August 2006 through the merger of Sydney Harbour Seaplanes, Seaplane Safaris, Southern Cross Seaplanes and two other operators. The founder and managing director is Aaron Shaw. In late 2016, a new era of growth for the airline was ushered in with the new harbourside terminal being opened, with the 'Empire Lounge' restaurant/bar inside. In 2017, Sydney Seaplanes partnered with Dr Jerry Schwartz of Schwartz Family Co. to expand the airlines fleet, placing two additional amphibious Cessna Caravan aircraft online.

Fleet

The five aircraft fleet of Sydney Seaplanes includes the following aircraft :
*Refer below to the incident regarding one of the Sydney Seaplanes owned DHC-2 Beaver.
Sydney Seaplanes also has previously indicated plans to grow the fleet with more Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft.

Destinations

Sydney Seaplanes currently operate to a number of destinations on a semi regular basis, they also offer charter services. All flights are from the Rose Bay Water Airport in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
A major incident occurred on the 31st December 2017, involving VH-NOO. The aircraft crashed into Jerusalem Bay off the Hawkesbury River after deviating from its usual flight path for unknown reasons. All six people on board were killed in the crash. The pilot was returning from Cottage Point Inn to the hub of Rose Bay.