Sydney Seaplanes


Sydney Seaplanes, a domestic and charter carrier in the Sydney area, is Australia's largest seaplane operator, conducting hundreds of weekly flights during peak tourist seasons. Established in August 2006 through the merger of Sydney Harbour Seaplanes, Seaplane Safaris, Southern Cross Seaplanes, and two other operators, the company was founded and is managed by Aaron Shaw. Initially operating with one aircraft, Sydney Seaplanes has expanded in response to the growing Asian tourist market and VIP leisure travel.

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.
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.
It has flown 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

Fleet

The five aircraft fleet of Sydney Seaplanes includes the following aircraft :
  • 2 de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver* - VH-NXF & VH-CXS
  • 2 Cessna 208 Caravan - VH-IOV & VH-SXF
*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 operates to a number of destinations on a semi-regular basis and offers charter services. All flights are from the Rose Bay Water Airport in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
A major incident occurred on 31 December 2017, involving VH-NOO. The aircraft crashed into Jerusalem Bay off the Hawkesbury River after deviating from its usual flight path. All six people on board were killed in the crash. The pilot was returning from Cottage Point Inn to the hub of Rose Bay.
The ATSB eventually determined the pilot was incapacitated from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, caused by exhaust gasses entering the cabin through holes in the firewall. The company that maintained the aircraft Airag Aviation Services were found to have left out bolts that secure the magneto access panels to the firewall, creating the pathway.