JetBlue, which has become the largest airline operating out of Logan International Airport, has plans to continue growing in the Hub, and is eyeing Worcester and Providence, according to CEO David Barger.

'We're really optimistic that we can close out the real estate accommodations with Massport for all of Terminal C,' said Barger, after he spoke to the Boston College Chief Executives' Club of Boston yesterday. 'We're having those discussions now.'

Barger said the company's goal is to have 150 departures leave Boston each day - up from 102 now - which it calls its 'Boston 150' initiative.

'I think it's sooner rather than later for us,' he said. 'We need additional gates. Short-term I think we're fine as we get ready for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's. That's a pretty significant peak for our company. Then we probably have six to 12 months in terms of a buffer.'

Barger called the economic climate 'OK' - but especially suited to his business. Massport is encouraging JetBlue to expand to Worcester, he said, and he visited Providence last week - but would offer no timeline or specifics for either city.

'Because of our value proposition, when the economy is weaker, people tend to shop, people tend to drive trials,' he said. 'We do better in situations like that. When the economy is strong, that tide lifts all ships. '

Barger encouraged investment in high-speed rail between cities, rather than seeing it as competition, adding he'd like it to connect to airports.

'Those slots above us, the air space above us, that's a finite resource,' he said. 'Let's better use those slots. To fly 37-seat airplanes between Logan Airport and LaGuardia Airport is a waste of a precious resource.'

The company is launching broadband Internet service on flights next month, Barger said, and opening JetBlue Park, the new Red Sox spring training stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., in March.

During yesterday's speech, the JetBlue CEO called for improved air traffic management, saying it could save money by reducing fuel usage, which would also help the environment.

Barger also called on Hub business leaders to push for lower taxes on airlines. He said $61 of every $300 JetBlue ticket goes to pay taxes and the federal government is looking at increasing airlines' tax burden.

'We are taxed more than cigarettes, we are taxed more than alcohol,' Barger told members of the Boston executives club. 'So, welcome to the next great sin out there. It's called aviation.'