Sydney Seaplanes Expands Fleet as Hotelier Schwartz Gains Control

Sydney Seaplanes (Sydney Rose Bay) is set to expand its fleet as Australian hotelier Jerry Schwartz moves toward full ownership by mid-2025. Schwartz, who previously held a 10% stake through Schwartz Family Company, is acquiring a majority stake, with plans to grow the fleet from three to five aircraft by the end of 2025.

Previously owned by Aaron Shaw and Ken Gaunt, the carrier will transition to Schwartz’s full management, with Shaw and Gaunt stepping away from daily operations. The new owner aims to elevate the airline’s luxury travel offerings, enhancing services at its Rose Bay terminal and launching high-end seaplane tours.

Currently, Sydney Seaplanes operates three amphibious Cessna 208 Caravans and a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver. Schwartz plans to add a second DHC-2 and another undisclosed aircraft to support expansion. The acquisition also includes hangars and infrastructure at Sydney Bankstown Airport.

Schwartz, a medical doctor turned hotel mogul, owns 15 hotels across Australia with 4,300 rooms, aligning the seaplane business with his hospitality and tourism ventures.

Meanwhile, Shaw and Gaunt will continue their involvement with Alt Air (Sydney Rose Bay), a separate operation pursuing scheduled flights to Newcastle Harbour and Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. Schwartz retains a stake in Alt Air, but the airline will operate independently with its own aircraft and air operator’s license.

The expansion and luxury rebranding position Sydney Seaplanes as a key player in Australia’s high-end aviation and tourism sector.

Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com