Western Air is the largest privately owned airline in the Bahamas. It was established in 2001 by Rex J. Rolle and Shandrice Woodside-Rolle.
Their daughter, Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle started as a baggage handler and is now the Vice President of Operations and General Counsel for the airline.
In an interview with Bauce Magazine, Rexy was asked what advice she would give women that are interested in the aviation industry.
She said, “Be confident in what you know and I say that over again. One of our downfalls as women is that we leave it at the door, — we must stay CONFIDENT in what we know and the work we produce.
We as women were groomed from schooling and professionally to always second guess our decisions and feel as if we are “under-qualified.”
I learned from experience to know your industry very well because the odds are immediately against you due to gender and race.
In the aviation industry, you should know its a highly regulated industry as it should be, but it’s also incredibly broad with various work opportunities that are not commonly known.
In my role, I have to ensure operations comply with not only our company policies and standards but to all relevant laws and regulations.
Understanding your market and clientele — the customers ALWAYS come first! What we take pride in at Western Air Ltd. is our customer service.
This is exactly what sets us apart from our competition. Our customers are family and we treat family members with pride and the utmost respect.
In building your capital, be sure you do your research to ensure your aviation and finance partners or investors understand your vision and what it will require. Trust your staff, partners, and most importantly YOURSELF.”
With a net worth of $90+ million, Western Airlines has been steadily increasing its routes across the Caribbean, including direct flights to Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and soon Florida.