Sydney's iconic Sydney Seaplanes has been sold to the Schwartz Family Company (SFC), headed by hotels and hospitality mogul Dr Jerry Schwartz.
In an announcement made today, SFC said that has initially bought majority ownership in Sydney Seaplanes, with plans for full acquisition in the middle of this year.
SFC has bought the shares from founder Aaron Shaw and fellow shareholder Ken Gaunt.
The purchase also includes the Rose Bay headquarters for Sydney Seaplanes and the adjoining Empire Lounge restaurant, bar and function venue, which is being rebranded as Sydney Seaplanes Lounge.
SFC will add Sydney Seaplanes to their aviation business, which also includes Blue Sky Airways, Newcastle Seaplanes and the Darling Harbour Helipad.
“My purchase of Sydney Seaplanes represents an exciting new chapter in Sydney’s aviation and tourism history,” said Dr Schwartz.
“Rose Bay was the arrival point for the famous Qantas flying boats that opened up the ‘Kangaroo Route’ back in 1938, and I’m proud that we can con continue the seaplane tradition by providing inspirational tours of Sydney Harbour and flights to picturesque locations along the coast.
“Just as anyone arriving on the massive seaplanes decades ago never could forget their arrival into Sydney, we want to ensure that every passenger has an unforgettable flight experience with us.
“Back in the 1930s, arriving by seaplane in Sydney was the ultimate in luxe travel. We are reliving that by offering indulgent packages in combination with the Sydney Seaplanes Lounge, which has one of the most enviable waterfront locations in Sydney."
Sydney Seaplanes' fleet currently comprises two amphibious Cessna Caravans and a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. A second Beaver, currently owned by Dr Schwartz, is being converted to an amphibian and is expected to join the fleet shortly.
Sydney Seaplanes was founded by Shaw in 2006 after the merger of five tourist operations including Sydney Harbour Seaplanes, Southern Cross Seaplanes and Seaplane Safaris.