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 News
Governor Paul Cellucci today announced Delta Air Lines will soon begin twice-daily flights from Worcester Airport to Atlanta, a major development in the efforts of the Cellucci-Swift Administration to expand regional air transportation and relieve the burden on Logan International Airport. The announcement comes as Massport and city officials have reached agreement on Massport taking over operation of Worcester Airport. "We are committed to a comprehensive regional transportation plan, and a key piece in that strategy is a thriving Worcester Airport to serve this regions two million residents," Cellucci said at the airport. "Deltas decision proves we are on the right course, and with continued hard work, we will succeed in building a strong transportation system for the benefit of all Massachusetts travelers." The non-stop Delta flights will be operated with 50-seat commuter jets and are scheduled to start Feb. 1st. In Atlanta, travelers will be able to connect to one of Deltas 650 daily flights to 125 domestic and international destinations. Deltas wholly owned subsidiary Atlantic Southeast Airlines will operate the new jet service. "We are excited about this opportunity to serve Worcester," said Leo Mullin, Delta president and chief executive officer. "This new service expands Deltas presence in the region and complements the Governors plan to better balance growth among the regions airports. Worcester is a market that needs air service and it offers significant potential for regional jet service provided by our Delta Connection subsidiary, Atlantic Southeast Airlines." Last year, Worcester Airport served just 77,000 passengers. At one point, the airport handled over 360,000 passengers per year with daily service to five markets. Current estimates predict that with increased service and improved access, Worcester Airport could handle as many as 600,000 to 800,000 passengers per year. "We are already starting to see the fruits of our labor at Worcester. We are going to continue to use Massports experience and expertise in managing airports to put this airport back on the map," said Massport Executive Director and CEO Virginia Buckingham. "We are committed to a strong regional aviation system and investing in our partnership with the City of Worcester for Worcester Airport." In April, Cellucci and Lieutenant Governor Jane Swift joined Massport and Worcester officials in signing a memorandum of understanding that outlined the process for Massport to assume operations and ownership of the Worcester Airport. Since then, Massport has been negotiating with the Worcester City Managers Office and they have now reached an agreement. The deal, which still requires review from Massports Board of Directors and the Worcester City Council, calls for Massport to assume ownership of the airport in about five years. "For Worcester, this achieves our two strategic goals. First, it provides the community with the best opportunity to obtain convenient, reliable and cost-competitive air transportation. Second, it places the City on a quick and certain path to the elimination of its financial support of the operating deficits at the airport," said Worcester City Manager Thomas Hoover. The revitalization of Worcester Airport is a key component of the Cellucci-Swift Administrations regional aviation plan. The plan also includes improving ground access to nearby Manchester Airport and T.F. Green in Providence, both among the fastest growing regional airports in the country. In August, Cellucci signed into law an innovative plan to fast track the expansion of Route 3 running from Route 128 to the New Hampshire border. Widening Route 3 will improve access to Manchester Airport. Massport has also proposed a series of airside improvements at Logan Airport aimed at reducing delays and improving efficiency, including construction of a uni-direction runway. |
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