WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced that JetBlue Airways at Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) reached its 100,000^th passenger since starting service in November 2013 with daily flights to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Travelers James and Wilda Southard were the lucky 100,000^th passengers and will be receiving a gift basket from Massport to mark the occasion.

“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.”

James and Wilda, who were traveling from Worcester back home to Florida after a short trip, normally fly into Manchester Regional Airport in New Hampshire. This time they chose to fly in and out of Worcester because, they said, it was closer and more convenient for them.

“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.”

“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.”

Massport estimates Worcester Regional Airport will 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. The study examined the direct and induced aviation-related economic impacts these activities will have to the Central Massachusetts regional economy.

Massport continues to move forward with the installation of a Category III instrument landing system at the airport to make a safe facility even safer. The so-called CAT III system will be operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, will cost some $30 million and will be installed over the next few years as permitting proceeds.

“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.”

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.

You can find Worcester Regional Airport on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyworcester and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WorcesterRegionalAirport.

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