Joyce, who stepped down from Qantas in 2023 and is set to launch his own memoir next year, has penned the forward for Carolen Barripp’s new book Sydney Seaplanes: Honouring Heritage, Embracing the Future.
Launched in Sydney this week, Sydney Seaplanes brings to life the evolution of Rose Bay from its pre-colonial days through to becoming Qantas’ first international airport, its vital role during the Second World War, and rebirth as the home of Sydney Seaplanes.
Attending the book launch, former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, who wrote the book’s introduction says, “In 1938, Rose Bay became Australia’s first international airport, serving as the base for Qantas Empire Airways and Imperial Airways under the Empire Air Mail Scheme”.
“This groundbreaking moment connected Australia to the world through majestic flying boats, including the Short Empire, Catalina, and Sunderland aircraft.”
“These extraordinary machines embodied the bold vision of overcoming the tyranny of distance, bringing Australia closer to the rest of the world, and pioneering global air travel.”
Over the past 50 years, Rose Bay has transitioned from a transport hub to the base for Sydney Seaplanes.
Today, Sydney Seaplanes – owned by hotelier and tourism entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz – operates a fleet of Cessna Caravans and de Havilland DHC-2 Beavers.
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge remains an ‘airport lounge’, but also operates as a renowned waterfront restaurant under the helm of chef Natali Mikailoglu. The golden era of flying boats is commemorated in a museum at Sydney Seaplanes Lounge.
Joyce’s own memoir will be released next year, reportedly as a ‘tell-all’ including his days at Qantas.
For more information, visit Sydney Seaplanes.
Books can be ordered from: reservations@seaplanes.com.au RRP$20.
