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10 Worcester Business Journal | Book of Lists 2017 | wbjournal.com F or more than 70 years, Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) has provided travelers in Central Massachusetts with easy access to air travel, whether heading to an important business meeting or taking a trip for pleasure. Conveniently located in the heart of the Commonwealth, ORH features a modern, spacious terminal, easy curbside drop off and pick up, free WiFi, full service food and beverage offer- ings and inexpensive parking options – only $7 daily or $42 weekly. Not only does ORH serve Worcester County, the second fastest growing county in Massachusetts, the airport also attracts travelers from the Boston Metro West region and the bustling Interstate 495 corridor. In 2013, JetBlue began service at ORH and currently makes daily flights from ORH to Orlando International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. In its first three-and-a-half years, the airline's Florida services attracted more than 400,000 passengers. ORH continues to invest in improving and adding services and is installing a $30 million Category III (CAT III) instru- ment landing system, which will bring a new level of operabil- ity to the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will operate and maintain the system, which will allow for landings in low visibility weather conditions. At the current time, pilots divert to other airports for landings when visibility is below 200 feet of ceiling height and less than 1,800-foot runway visibility. The CAT III will increase access to travel and boost com- mercial business in the area. In fact, these airport enhance- ments will lead to additional service to Worcester. Once the CAT III project is completed, JetBlue Airways will initiate a new route from ORH to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. These non-stop flights will enable travelers to make day trips to the Big Apple and provide con- nections to JetBlue's vast network at JFK, as well as offer access to the more than 70 airlines that operate out of JFK. The addi- tion of these flights in Worcester will open the travel door to multiple connecting opportunities to more than 95 interna- tional destinations in more than 50 countries. Also, Rectrix has established ORH as a base of operations and maintenance for its growing charter jet fleet and other private aircraft. The carrier is investing more than $7 million over a five-year period into ORH with a state-of-the-art hangar and customer service facility for general and corporate travel- ers, which adds 22 high tech jobs to the airport community. State political leaders view ORH, with its advanced technol- ogy and other amenities, as an important link to the wider world. Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said, "Worcester Regional Airport is a vital tool for connecting our local econ- omy to the global economy." Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) has long advocated for investment at the airport. He said, "Worcester Airport is key to keeping our economy strong and this new route [the daily JetBlue Airways flights to JFK] will help to attract more compa- nies, create good jobs, and bring more dollars to businesses here in Central Massachusetts. Worcester Airport has already helped to pump close to $350 million into our economy…" Massport, which owns and operates Worcester Regional Airport, also recently renovated the Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) station and revamped the main terminal and office spaces. These improvements, as well as all the invest- ments and ongoing enhancements at ORH, have made a signif- icant financial impact on the area. A Massachusetts Department of Transportation economic impact study found that ORH contributes $46.4 million to the regional economy. As Worcester Regional Airport implements these changes and adds new flights, it presents an even greater opportunity to connect travelers to worldwide destinations. n Connecting Travelers With the Wider World Street Address: 375 Airport Drive, Worcester, MA 01602 Phone Number: 508-849-5550 Website: flyworcester.com Product or Service Description: Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) has been providing commercial and general aviation services for travelers living in Worcester County, and beyond, for more than 70 years. Number of Employees: 113 Head of Company and Title: Andy Davis, Airport Director Year Founded: 1946 WORCESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT (ORH) P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y A D V E R T I S E M E N T