The Massachusetts Port Authority today released passenger figures for 2001 that show passenger volumes at Worcester Regional Airport up 23% over 2000. In total, 130,566 passengers flew through Worcester last year, nearly 25,000 more than in 2000. Since Massport took over operations of the airport in 2000 the passenger numbers have more than doubled.

"Massport made a commitment to make the regionalization of air traffic a reality. We made a bold commitment to reduce the burden of airport noise and traffic on communities such as East Boston, South Boston, Chelsea, and others close to Logan," said Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., Massport Acting Executive Director and Aviation Director. "We are pleased to report that the numbers support this commitment."

Since taking over operation of Worcester Regional Airport in January 2000, Massport brought three new airlines to the underutilized facility in Central Massachusetts. Massport continues to market the airport and promote Worcester and other regional airports as part of a cooperative "Fly New England" campaign. In addition, Massport has partnered with the local business community to encourage area business travelers to use Worcester Regional Airport for their business travel.

Increased service from regional airports and a new runway at Logan will improve the efficiency of New England's regional transportation system.

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