Sydney Seaplanes has expanded its fleet to four aircraft, with the arrival of a new addition, the legendary de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver.
Widely regarded as one of the most iconic seaplanes ever built, the Beaver brings a unique blend of heritage, performance, and versatility to Sydney Seaplanes’ growing operations. This milestone strengthens the company’s position as a premier provider of scenic flights and bespoke aviation experiences across Sydney and beyond.
With a total fleet of four aircraft, Sydney Seaplanes said it is now well-positioned to meet growing demand while maintaining its premium, personalised service.
“This addition represents both a celebration of aviation history and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers,” a spokesperson for Sydney Seaplanes said.
“Expanding to a four-aircraft fleet allows us to meet growing demand while maintaining the premium service and unforgettable journeys we’re known for.”
Originally designed to endure the rugged conditions of northern Canada, the DHC-2 Beaver first took to the skies in August 1947. It quickly earned a global reputation for reliability and adaptability as a single-engine monoplane capable of operating on wheels, skis, or floats.
Over nearly two decades of production, close to 1,700 aircraft were built, and today the Beaver is recognised as one of the ten most influential Canadian engineering achievements in history.
Throughout its distinguished career, the Beaver has served in military operations in the United States, supported agricultural work such as crop dusting worldwide, and even played a role in Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic South Pole expedition.
Despite production ending more than 40 years ago, hundreds of these timeless aircraft remain in operation today.
Sydney Seaplanes’ newly introduced Beaver has been meticulously restored and upgraded with modern avionics and enhanced passenger comfort, offering a refined yet authentic flying experience.
Fleet overview
Sydney Seaplanes’ aircraft fleet now includes:
- Cessna Caravan Amphibian x 2 (12 passengers per aircraft)
- Classic Beavers x 2 (7 passengers per aircraft)
Performance highlights (Beaver):
- Cruise Speed: 255 km/h (158 mph)
- Range: 732 km (455 miles)
General characteristics (Beaver):
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Capacity: 7 passengers
- Length: 9.22 m
- Wingspan: 14.63 m
- Height: 2.74 m
