http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...2-3102,00.html
FORMER Olympian Grant Kenny has doubled the size of his aircraft empire by acquiring Western Australia's largest privately owned aviation company.
The Sunshine Coast-based ex-ironman paid an undisclosed sum for Slingair Heliwork WA, which has a fleet of more than 40 planes and helicopters dotted across the East Kimberley region for safaris, sightseeing tours and charter flights.
The move has cemented Kenny's position as Australia's biggest private aviation operator.
Mr Kenny, a canoeing bronze medallist in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and his wife, also a one-time Olympic athlete, Lisa Curry-Kenny, have built up a $25 million-plus collection of more than 40 aircraft through their Curry-Kenny Aviation Group based at Caloundra.
Mr Kenny said Slingair would be a "valuable addition" to his group and he paid homage to founder Kerry Slingsby, who started the business in 1984.
"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," Mr Kenny said.
"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."
No job cuts are anticipated with the change of ownership at Slingair, which is based at Kununurra, 42km from the border with the Northern Territory.
Mr Slingsby, who has won numerous tourism awards, said he was heartened that Mr Kenny was an aviation buff and was planning to expand the business to take advantage of booming tourist demand.