By Rod Lee

Investments and improvements will undoubtedly be central to the message Andrew B. “Andy” Davis delivers as keynote speaker for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s 60th annual meeting on April 12th at J.  Anthony’s.

Mr. Davis is director of Worcester Regional Airport.

Since 2010, Massport has poured approximately $100 million into upgrading the facility. A section of Taxiway B, the airport’s longest and busiest taxiway, has been improved, and a strategic rebuild of the main runaway has been completed.

The good news doesn’t end there.

Bernice Freedman, assistant director of media relations for Massport, said Worcester Regional is offering five daily flights to New York City’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, and daily service to Ft. Lauderdale via JetBlue, Delta and American.

“Free parking will continue through June 30, 2022,” Ms. Freedman said.

Increasingly, travelers who had formerly opted for Boston, Providence or Hartford are now choosing Worcester.

“The experience leaving Worcester was fantastic,” Tony Economou, a local realtor, said. “I got to the airport at 5:00 for a 6:00 p.m. flight. It was uneventful. My flight back was scheduled for 7:30. It got bumped until 1:00 a.m. but that was more a JetBlue system issue.”

Caitlin Peloquin of Putnam had a similar positive experience.

“Flying with a ten-month-old and a fiancé with little patience is not something I was looking forward to,” she said. “This led me to book flights from Worcester instead of Logan. I could not be any happier with that decision. Dakota and I got dropped off with the luggage right at the entrance and Nate parked (for free) nice and close.

“The best part was we were off the plane and home to Putnam within thirty minutes on the way back.”

Congressman James P. McGovern said the attention being paid to Worcester Regional Airport is paying dividends.

“Before the pandemic, and in partnership with these three airlines, Worcester Regional was close to serving its one millionith passenger,” Mr. McGovern said. “Now, as flights resume and America rebuilds, this airport is back better than ever, and ready to serve the people of Central Massachusetts.”

  Recently, Massport also announced a bold plan to reduce carbon emissions at all of its facilities, including Worcester, and to become “NetZero” by 2031, which coincides with the Authority’s 75th anniversary.

“The Roadmap to NetZero” focuses on 100% of the greenhouse gases directly controlled by Massport-owned properties, equipment and purchased electricity, with continuing influence in areas that the Authority does not control.