One significant African American-owned airline in Black history is Florida-based "Air Florida" which was founded by the late Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy in 1971. Kennedy, an African American entrepreneur and former United Airlines pilot, started the airline with the goal of providing affordable and convenient air travel options for residents of Miami and other parts of Florida.

Air Florida initially operated as an intrastate airline, offering flights within the state of Florida. Over time, the airline expanded its route network to include destinations in the Caribbean and South America. Despite facing challenges and competition from larger airlines, Air Florida gained a reputation for its customer service and affordable fares.

Tragically, Air Florida ceased operations in 1984 following a fatal crash of one of its planes, Flight 90, into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. The airline's legacy, however, remains an important part of Black aviation history, highlighting the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of African Americans in the aviation industry.