New Airport Owners Aim to Help Worcester

Man, who remembers when Worcester, Massachusetts had frequent scheduled air service? It was only a few years ago! Back before 9/11, the airport was on the route maps of four different airlines, but was eventually cut when US Airways left the building in 2003.

The airport has maintained some service, but it's very limited. Allegiant flew to Orlando a few times a week and then dropped it, and now charter operator Direct Air has a few flights a week to Myrtle Beach, Punta Gorda, and Orlando. That's great for local leisure travelers, but when it comes to business travelers, it just doesn't cut it - a flight to a major hub would be necessary. So what's the issue? For one, there are a bunch of well-served airports nearby. Boston, Providence, Manchester, and Hartford are all about 50 miles away.

Hopefully, the fact that the airport will soon be under new ownership will help out.  It's currently owned by the city, and is being purchased by the Port Authority. But even the rhetoric about the airport isn't too exciting - like how the New England population is growing and there won't be any new airports built there, most likely. That's not exactly encouraging, but it's something. The airport will probably need to get some incentives together to start generating service, and charging low fees for the airlines is very important.