The Massachusetts Port Authority today announced that April was the second busiest month for Worcester Regional Airport since Massport took over operation of the facility in January 2000. Worcester Regional Airport served over 13,900 passengers in April, 61% more than April of 2000. The growth trend is expected to continue as new service to San Juan and Chicago begins early this summer.

"Our regionalization strategy has taken root in Worcester," said Massport Executive Director and CEO Virginia Buckingham. "Airlines are investing in Worcester Airport and the numbers show that local travelers are responding."

During the first four months of 2000, Worcester handled 25,867 passengers. In the first four months of 2001, Worcester already has seen 40,514 passengers, a 57% increase. Worcester Regional Airport provides direct service to Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York and Orlando. In April, Delta ASA added one daily round-trip flight to Atlanta to their schedule from Worcester. Later this month, the Pan Am flight to Orlando will provide continuing service to San Juan. American Eagle will add service to Chicago in July. With the start of the Chicago service, Worcester Regional Airport will have direct service to the three most popular destinations for Worcester-area travelers: Orlando, Chicago and New York. From these destinations, travelers can make convenient connections to hundreds of domestic and international destinations.

Massport took over operation of Worcester Regional Airport on January 15, 2000 under an agreement aimed at reviving the underutilized facility. The authority is marketing the regional airport and meeting with the representatives of airlines operating out of Logan to highlight Worcester Airport as an option.

As a result of these efforts, the number of passengers using Worcester Regional Airport more than doubled during the first year Massport operated the airport for the City of Worcester. Current estimates are that with increased service and improved access, Worcester Airport can handle as many as 600,000-800,000 passengers per year.

The revitalization of Worcester Airport is a key component of the state's regional aviation strategy, which includes improving ground access to nearby Manchester Airport and T.F. Green in Providence, both among the fastest growing regional airports in the country.

More in this Section