DELTA FLIGHT TO CONNECT WORCESTER AND DETROIT
Nonstop service seen as boost to city
Delta Air Lines will begin a nonstop flight between Worcester and Detroit next year in a move that officials say will offer MetroWest travelers convenience and boost the city’s economy.
The flight between Worcester Regional Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport will be operated by Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines and will give passengers more than 100 connecting opportunities, both domestic and international, according to the airline and the Massachusetts Port Authority.
“People will be able to fly to Detroit and, from there, to San Francisco, Las Vegas, China, Japan,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “It’s a good option for people in MetroWest.”
Delta is the third major airline to announce service at Worcester Regional Airport in the last 18 months, following the start of JetBlue’s New York flights and American Airlines’ Philadelphia service.
“We’re looking to make Worcester a viable alternative to Logan International Airport in Boston for people in MetroWest and western Massachusetts,” said Lew Evangelidis, Worcester County sheriff and chairman of Massport’s board of directors. “Parking is less expensive, there’s much less traffic congestion, and you can park and be in and out of security in five to 10 minutes.”
Evangelidis said “there’s no question” the addition of nonstop service to and from Detroit — home of Motown — also will be a boon to economic development in the Worcester area.
“This will be a magnet for companies looking to relocate to MetroWest,” Glynn said.
Detroit Metro Airport, which served 33 million passengers last year, has 16 airlines with 1,100 daily flights to and from four continents.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to promoting access to economic development throughout the state, and expanding service at Worcester Regional Airport will help promote growth in Central Massachusetts,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in a statement.
“A Delta flight from Worcester Regional Airport to Detroit is yet another opportunity to connect Massachusetts’ local economy to the global economy, and Gov. Baker and I look forward to seeing its impact on the region’s communities.”
A Massachusetts Department of Transportation economic impact study found that the airport contributes $46.4 million to the regional economy.
“Massport’s investment in Worcester Airport has expanded economic vitality throughout Central Massachusetts,” U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern said in a statement.
“Each new route — including this nonstop flight to Detroit — brings new opportunity and business to our community.”