Olympian and former Ironman Grant Kenny has acquired Western Australia's largest privately owned aviation company.
Olympian and former Ironman Grant Kenny has acquired Western Australia's largest privately owned aviation company.
Slingair Heliwork WA, which was founded by iconic tourism identity Kerry Slingsby in 1984, has a fleet of more than 40 aircraft operating out of several bases in the East Kimberley region and employs almost 80 people during peak season.
The company, which is the most highly awarded tourism business in the history of Western Australia tourism awards, is divided into two businesses - Slingair for fixed-wing aircraft and Heliwork WA for helicopters - with both divisions operating charter and tourism flights.
All current management and staff will remain with the business.
Mr Kenny said he was excited by the opportunity to add such a successful company to his ever-expanding aviation business.
"Slingair Heliwork WA has earned a reputation for its professional staff and first-rate aircraft and it is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the Curry-Kenny Aviation Group," he said.
"Everyone involved in Western Australia aviation and tourism knows what a great job Kerry Slingsby has done in growing his business from a one-man helicopter mustering business into the success it is today.
"It is a real thrill to have acquired the business and I'm looking forward to seeing the company benefit from its involvement with the Curry-Kenny Aviation Group."
Mr Slingsby, who is a three-time winner of the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, said Slingair Heliwork WA had been sold to a person with the company's interests at heart.
"Grant has a genuine passion for aviation and while part of me is sad to sell the business, I'm excited by what his national aviation company will bring to the business," he said.
"Slingair Heliwork WA has been my life's work and I've got no doubt that its future is just as bright as its past."
Slingair Heliwork WA's head office is in Kununurra, 42km from the Northern Territory border, with another office in Derby near Broome and remote bases in the Bungle Bungle World Heritage area and Mitchell Plateau.
As well as providing scenic air tours and safaris, the company operates charter services such as mining exploration and government flights to remote areas.
