Soaring ambitions: Jerry Schwartz elevates Sydney Seaplanes with expansion plans
🛩️Sydney’s rich seaplane aviation heritage is set for a renaissance with hotel and hospitality entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz
Sydney Seaplanes enters a new era as Jerry Schwartz takes ownership, plans fleet expansion and waterfront dining transformation
Sydney’s iconic seaplane industry is set for a new golden era, with hotel and hospitality entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz acquiring majority ownership of Sydney Seaplanes and unveiling ambitious plans to expand both the fleet and its prime waterfront venue at Rose Bay.
Under the agreement, Schwartz Family Company (SFC) has taken a controlling stake in Sydney Seaplanes, with Dr Schwartz set to assume full ownership by mid-year as he completes the purchase of shares from previous owners Aaron Shaw and Ken Gaunt. The acquisition also includes the Rose Bay headquarters and the adjoining Empire Lounge, which is being rebranded as Sydney Seaplanes Lounge.
With expansion in full swing, Sydney Seaplanes will grow from three to five aircraft by the end of the year. The fleet currently includes two Amphibious Cessna Caravans and a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, renowned for their safety and reliability. Soon, an additional DHC-2 Beaver, owned by Dr Schwartz, will be retrofitted with amphibious floats and join the fleet.
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.
“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.
“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.
As Sydney Seaplanes prepares for an exciting future, the synergy between luxury aviation, world-class dining, and event hosting is poised to make Rose Bay a must-visit destination.
Mandy has over two decades of experience in accommodation and tourism industry writing, and she is also an accomplished editor and publisher. As co-Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd, a trusted B2B content provider for the accommodation and education sectors in Australia and New Zealand, she oversees high-quality print and digital content across notable publications, including AccomNews, Resort News, and School News, along with the property listing platform AccomProperties. Mandy’s contributions have been recognised with the Female Leader Award at the Best of Tourism 2023 and the ARAMA Life Member Award in 2024.