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FILE PHOTO/STEVEN KING
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near-universal praise for a number of its amenities: leather seating, 100 free channels of in-flight entertainment, free snacks, to name some. J.D. Power has awarded the airline for Excellence in Customer Experience eight years in a row and was just ranked the best of all airlines serving Tampa International Airport in customer service. Although he never donned the outfit, City Manager Mike O’Brien played every bit the part of cheerleader as much as savvy businessman in helping to navigate JetBlue into Worcester. No show of excitement was too much for O’Brien, whose affinity for flowery prose has been sent into overdrive since JetBlue announced it was coming to the airport. “The sky is clearly bluer than it ever has been and I expect we’ll have great announcements in the future as well,” the manager says. “We’ve come into our own. There is enough confidence in our community to reach high ... and go for what we believe reflects our city, our community and our region. JetBlue’s an example of that.”
A WINNING TEAM?
Most observers say with Massport at the helm of ORH and JetBlue led by highly-regarded Executive Director and CEO Dave Barger, there is every reason to believe the airport will enjoy new success. Massport is not just banking on it; the agency is investing heavily in the airport’s future. A planned Category III instrument landing system is set to be installed over the next five years at a cost of $30 million. There have been $9 million in recent improvements, including repaving of some of the airport’s surfaces and work on safety features. In addition, there is a fiveyear capital plan, according to Airport Director Andy Davis. In total, more than $50 million in public and private funding will be directed toward ORH. On top of that, Retrix Aviation, which launched a fixedbased operation at the airport late last year, is continued on page 20 18
WORCESTERMAG.COM
• APRIL 11, 2013
Above: City Manager Mike O’Brien does his thing during the recent announcement that JetBlue will be the next commercial airline at the airport. Below: JetBlue CEO Dave Barger says his company is in Worcester for the long haul.