Allegiant Airline Celebrates 10,000th Passenger

Ms. Jacobson said that Mr. Waldron attended a "jump start" conference in Texas last week to meet representatives from airlines and identify those that might be suitable for Worcester Regional Airport.

"We want the right fit," she said. "We don't want to go after any airline. We want to make sure the airline has the capacity to be financially sustainable, and that their target demographic population matches that of our catchment area."

Allegiant Air spokeswoman Tyri Squyres said ticket bookings to and from Worcester are growing, with 18 percent of the sales originating in Florida.

"That's higher than we anticipated," she said. "We do no advertising in Florida. It's entirely word-of-mouth. Families are finding out it's an easy way to come home."

She said there are no immediate plans to change the company's schedule at the airport with more flights or destinations.

"Currently, we're looking at Orlando, and hope to grow that a little more before we add more destinations and flights. We would hope to grow our presence, with the convenience that airport has. It's a real value. Time is money, and the convenience of a quick security check-in is what people want. They want the convenience of a smaller airport," she said.

The airline uses McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series jets with 130 seats, she said. Ticket prices for a one-way flight range between $79, during low ridership days, to $179 at holidays, she said.

Contact business reporter Martin Luttrell by e-mail

at mluttrell@telegram.com.

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