Sydney Seaplanes has operated a trial flight between Sydney and Canberra, with the view to commence a new harbour-to-lake connection between the two cities.
The first return test flight between the NSW capital and Lake Burley Griffin was conducted on Tuesday 15 December 2020. It was reported to be the first seaplane flight to arrive on the lake in the heart of Canberra.
Inclement weather saw the test flight depart from Bankstown Airport, however, the plan will be to operate the service from Sydney Seaplane’s Rose Bay hub.
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Sydney Seaplanes says the potential regular service “will feel more like a business or first-class experience” with guests able to enjoy a coffee or champagne from their Sydney departure point; the Empire Lounge Rose Bay.
The trial seaplane flight took around an hour and flew at an altitude of 7,000-feet, compared to the normal altitude of commercial aircraft that soar up to 40,000-feet on domestic routes.
Accommodating up to 15 passengers, the service offers a speedy arrival experience in Canberra, with guests disembarking in the city centre, rather than Canberra Airport on the outskirts of town.
Sydney Seaplanes hopes to operate the route up to three times per day, commencing in late 2021, with flights priced from $300 one way.
“We’re hoping that with the convenience of the centre-of-city to centre-of-city that we’re going to be able to entice some people off the road as well,” Aaron Shaw, Director of Sydney Seaplanes said.
A similar service could also be on the horizon between Rose Bay and the port city of Newcastle, north of Sydney.
Note: A spokesperson for Sydney Seaplanes advised LATTE that the service is non-commissionable and will be available for booking directly via the company’s website.