JetBlue Lands at Worcester Regional Airport

Public officials from across Massachusetts gathered at Worcester Regional Airport Wednesday morning to join JetBlue in announcing the low-cost airline's arrival in central Massachusetts. 

“We are not just getting commercial aviation back at Worcester Regional Airport, we are getting the best in air travel,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, said.

The airline will begin flying out of the airport Nov. 7, after maintenance and repairs are made to the airport. It was last used for commercial flights in March 2012.

Worcester, as many in attendance pointed out, is the second largest city in New England, but unlike cities, such as Manchester, NH, Hartford, CT, and Providence, RI, it doesn’t have an active commercial airport.

“The airport may be located in Worcester, but this is going to have a large impact on the region of central Massachusetts,” Auburn Town Manager Julia Jacobson said. “The success of Worcester Regional Airport is the success of the region.”

Worcester City Manager Mike O’Brien focused on the airline’s arrival as an indication that the city and region and have become a center for business in the state.

“For the first time in too damn long, we have hit our stride,” O’Brien said.

JetBlue has been in discussions with state and federal leaders since last August working to bring the airline to town. "Growth does not just happen," Governor Deval Patrick said. "You have to go get it."

Worcester is the company’s 80th airport and their fourth in Massachusetts.

They will be offering flights to Orlando, FL, and Fort Lauderdale, FL, when they begin operations in November. More destinations are expected to be added.

Will you be flying JetBlue from Worcester or will you continue to drive in to Boston for your flights?