AusLeisure

Hotel and hospitality entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz has acquired majority ownership in Sydney Seaplanes, which operates scenic charter flights from the harbour front at Rose Bay.

Under the agreement, the Schwartz Family Company (SFC) has acquired majority ownership of Sydney Seaplanes, which will grow to full ownership by the middle of the year when Dr Schwartz completes the purchase of shares from former Sydney Seaplane owners Aaron Shaw and 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.

The Sydney Seaplanes fleet of three aircraft is set to grow to four, and Dr Schwartz plans to add a fifth seaplane by the end of the year in a major expansion of the operation.

The fleet currently comprises two Amphibious Cessna Caravans and a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, both considered amongst the safest and most reliable aircraft ever built. An additional DHC-2 Beaver, owned by Dr Schwartz, is having amphibious floats fitted to the aircraft and will join the fleet shortly.

The Cessna Caravans provide the backbone of the fleet and are capable of carrying 12 passengers in air-conditioned comfort. Their turboprop engines make them the quietest aircraft available for commercial seaplane services.

The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver is one of the most famous seaplanes in the world. Designed originally to withstand the rugged conditions of northern Canada, the planes were quickly identified as being ideal for water-based operations.

Announcing the acquisition, Dr Schwartz said that seaplanes represented a rich and unique aspect of Sydney’s heritage, and with his portfolio of hotel and hospitality operations, he believed there was an enormous opportunity to grow the business.

Dr Schwartz noted “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 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.

“Diners can feast on the freshest seafood and enjoy Champagne and cocktails before or after their flight. Wedding couples can literally fly off into the sunset after a wedding reception at the venue.  Besides being an outstanding location for dining and drinks, we will be making it a premium venue for prestigious events and functions.”

With the launch of the venue as Sydney Seaplanes Lounge comes a distinguished new Head Chef, Natali Mikailoğlu, whose culinary journey is as dynamic as the venue itself.

Mikailoğlu's passion for food and travel has taken her across various gastronomic landscapes, enriching her culinary repertoire. Her professional experience includes roles at esteemed establishments such as The Boathouse Group, Rockpool, and Merivale, where she honed her skills and developed a distinctive approach to modern Australian cuisine.

Under Chef Natali's leadership, Sydney Seaplanes Lounge will focus on fresh, seasonal produce with a particular focus on locally sourced seafood.

More information on Sydney Seaplanes 

Schwartz Family Company (SFC) is one of Australia's largest privately owned hotel and hospitality companies. Established in 1973, SFC owns 15 hotels, with 4300 rooms, operated under brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, Rydges, Hilton,  Paradise Resort Gold Coast and Leura Gardens Resort. The company also owns Sydney Brewery and Sydney Seaplanes, and partners with GABS to stage major events such as the Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival and Hunter Valley Wine Festival. The company is run by Dr Jerry Schwartz.

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