Briefing: Rectrix Aviation
City and state officials, along with U.S. Rep. James McGovern, welcomed Rectrix Aviation to Worcester Regional Airport earlier this month. The company will provide private jet service, along with aircraft management and maintenance services.
Why Worcester?
According to the company's president and CEO, Rich Cawley, the city is "an ideal location between Boston and New York" to bring in aircraft for maintenance from around the region. He also said Worcester will serve as the "heartbeat" of its operations in Massachusetts.
Why is this important?
Commercial passenger service at the airport came to a halt earlier this year when its only carrier, Direct Air, went out of business. Since March, the airport has been used for freight and small private flights.
What will Rectrix's presence be at the airport?
The company is investing about $5 million to build about 27,000 square feet of hangar and office space at the airport, to accommodate large corporate aircraft. It will create nearly 100 jobs, according to the company.
What does this mean for the future of commercial passenger service?
Directly, nothing. But the added activity can't hurt. But officials at the welcoming festivities cited the need for an upgrade of the airport's landing system to help guide flights that have sometimes been hampered by limited visibility due to the airport's high elevation.
Will the system be upgraded?
Maybe. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), which runs the airport, said the commonwealth has begun the process of seeking funding to upgrade the system. The agency's director of administration and finance, John Pranckevicius, said Massport recently authorized $1 million to start upgrades of the landing system and taxiway. He said he expects $30 million in investment over the next few years. Cawley believes an upgraded landing system can bring in commercial carriers.
What about access to the airport?
There has been concern over the airport's lack of direct access to a major highway. Cawley backs a new exit from the site to the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Read more
JetBlue, Worcester Take Mutual ‘Love’ To The Web
JetBlue CEO: Worcester Feels Right, But More Work To Do
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments