Worcester Airport Celebrates 100,000th Passenger Since Reopening

Saturday, October 04, 2014

Nicholas Handy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

In less than a year’s time, the Worcester Regional Airport has reached its 100,000th passenger, since reopening in November of 2013.

At its peak in 1989, Worcester Airport served more than 340,000 people and between 2009 and 2012, 250,000 people chose Worcester Airport. Worcester Regional Airport serves Worcester County, the second fastest growing county in Massachusetts, along with the Boston Metro West region and the bustling Interstate 495 corridor.

“Residents of Central Massachusetts have shown that they appreciate the convenience of Worcester Regional Airport and the travel options it offers,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “We always knew we would reach this milestone, but to be celebrating this success in less than a year of service is remarkable.”

JetBlue Airways currently flies out of the Worcester Regional Airport, with daily flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Local Praise

After the Airport reached the milestone of 100,000 passengers in a relatively short period of time, there was a lot of local praise to be had.

“What a great day for the airport,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern. “This shows – once again – that the people of Central Massachusetts are committed to making passenger service a success. And JetBlue’s ongoing commitment to Worcester shows that this market is a good place to do business.”

While certainly a great benchmark, the airport has been heralded for its potential benefits to both travel and the economy. According to research by Massport, the airport has the potential to generate $369 million of economic activity over the next ten years. Massport commissioned Frasca & Associates, L.L.C. to assess the ten-year economic impacts anticipated from new airline service by JetBlue Airways and Massport’s current and future investments in the airport.

“This is a milestone that seemed so far out of reach just a few short years ago,” said Worcester Mayor Joe Petty. “The continued success of JetBlue and the Worcester Regional Airport is the result of great working relationships between the City of Worcester, Massport, and all the customers who have taken advantage of the convenience that this service provides. Congratulations to JetBlue, Massport, and all the partners who work to provide the world class service that our city deserves.”

A Local Convenience

According to James and Wilda Southard, the Worcester Regional Airport is great because it creates easier flights for their family.

After relocating to Florida after living in Fitchburg, the Worcester Regional Airport offers them an airport much closer to their old home. Prior to the Worcester Airport reopening, the couple would fly out of Manchester, New Hampshire.

“This is so exciting,” said Wilda Southard of Edgewater, Florida. “My husband James and I recently relocated to Florida after living in Fitchburg for more than 15 years, and Worcester Regional Airport has been so convenient for our travel needs.”