By BARBARA WALKIN
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, January 9, 2024 — The new President, CEO and Accountable Manager of Western Airlines Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle has announced that a new daily flight on their Ft. Lauderdale/Freeport route will be available soon. While she did not give a start date, Rolle said Western Air has received all of its main approvals to begin the flights.
“We just want to make sure that we continue to hit all of the compliance measures, and once we are good with that, we will be able to announce a date,” Rolle said. “But definitely the first quarter of 2024.”
Rolle said it is important for the airline to offer daily service to anywhere it flies.
“Particularly with Freeport. I do believe that Freeport has the volume and people are busy, especially with Ft. Lauderdale. We think there is base for us along with the other airlines that are providing services there,” she said. “We’re starting off with one flight that will leave Freeport at approximately 9 a.m.”
Rolle said Western Air’s prices will be in line with what the other airlines are offering.
“I don’t have the exact pricing as yet, as it is based on fuel prices and all things considered. We do intend to be competitive,” Rolle said, “We will have discounted prices on various seasonal times and, of course, the Frequent Flyer Program will be transferred to that route.”
The flights will not have US customs pre-clearance, which means that a travel visa will be required for Bahamians and other non-US citizens who do not have green cards or residency permits. This will be the case until the US pre-clearance service is resumed at Grand Bahama airport.
Back in September 2023, Western Air added a C6-VIP to its fleet, continuing in the Embraer ERJ family; the EMB-145LR jet is uniformed to match its sister aircraft. At the time, Rolle said the newest addition will complement their fleet as the airline seeks to expand its services.
Western Air’s announcement comes as good news, as Margaritaville at Sea discontinued offering embarkation from Grand Bahama for one-way passengers as of January 1, 2024.
“This is exciting news,” said Ronique Brown, an American citizen with strong family ties in Grand Bahama.
Brown said Western Air will provide another option for her to visit “home” during holidays and special family occasions.
“Right now, having to book flights from Ft. Lauderdale to Freeport is getting pretty expensive, so with another airline in the mix to provide that competition … that will be great,” she said.
