September 13, 2019
To be honest, I’ve asked around and no one even knew there were black-owned airlines at all.
After some research, it was amazing to find that one of the most successful black-owned airlines was located in the Bahamas.
Rex J. Rolle and Shandrice Woodside-Rolle, a married couple, who according to their website, “…fused their knowledge, experience and passion for aviation to provide an alternative, reliable air transportation service.”.
Rex Rolle was a pilot who wanted to have his own airline, especially after noticing their hometown had limited air service. Together, with his wife, they worked hard to research and develop their business, and eventually received offers from two aviation investors that helped make Western Air Limited a reality.
Western Air Limited, established in 2001, is located in San Andros International Airport on Andros Island in the Bahamas.
How does Rexy Role fit into this? Rex Role’s daughter is Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle; she is the Vice President of Operations & General Counsel. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Ottawa with Joint Honors in Political Science & Communications. She also earned her Masters at Lynn University in Mass Media & Communications, summa cum laude! We’re not done! She continued one and earned her doctorate at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She is a aviation AND business lawyer. What an amazing family!
At just 29 years old, their daughter began to get recognized for expanding the company with her knowledge and use of social media. She also appears in many well-established magazines featuring the company.
Between her parents knowledge and her hard work, the airline has daily flights from Bahamas to places in the Caribbean, North and South America.
And now, Western Air is the largest, black-owned, privately owned airline in the world, largest privately owned airline in the Bahamas!
You can keep up to date with Western Air Limited and Rexy Rolle in her blog.