Our Story

Our Story

Above & Beyond started with a simple idea: show people the island in ways they never imagined. Henry and Gerald Ellis laid the foundations, and while the ownership has changed, you’ll still run into them around the island, quietly cheering on the adventures that started at their dining table. Their pioneering spirit continues to inspire the team today.

Pieter & Alice van der Woude

Pieter and Alice took the helm in July 2024, bringing generations of Tasmanian know-how and a lifelong connection to the island’s wild places. Pieter spent over 30 years as an abalone diver, exploring Tasmania’s wildest coasts, working in diving search and rescue, and even handling shipping in the far south for the Australian Antarctic Division. He feels most at home with one foot in the water and the other in a wild place, and that sensibility guides every Above & Beyond flight today. Alice grew up aboard her father’s boats, discovering secret harbours and coves that few ever see – and now she designs Above & Beyond’s flights so you can too. Together, Pieter and Alice are building on the legacy of Above & Beyond—keeping it personal, Tasmanian-led, and full of adventure, while expanding access to both classic spots and new, unexpected routes.

Lee – Head of Flying Operations

Lee has spent over two decades in the air, combining deep expertise with a passion for Tasmania’s coastal magic. After years as a flying instructor and leading seaplane operations across Australia, he’s home surfing the waves and showing his next generation the island’s wonders. Calm, knowledgeable, and adventurous. Lee ensures every flight is safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

A nod to the Ellis family

Henry and Gerald Ellis, the founders of Above & Beyond, remain part of the story. You might still bump into them around Hobart, lending support and sharing the company’s early spirit. Henry still pilots for Above & Beyond, keeping his hands on the controls and his love of flying seaplanes alive – a reminder that Above & Beyond was built on Tasmanian soil, with Tasmanians at heart.