Officials broke ground on a new landing system for Worcester Regional Airport that could guide more airlines to land in the city.
MassPort officials and local elected officials gathered Friday for the official groundbreaking on the CAT III instrument landing system. The upgrade is designed to improve airport safety and make commercial service more reliable.
The CAT III system is needed in Worcester to help allow planes to land in virtually all weather conditions – including fog, which has caused aircrafts to be diverted from the Worcester airport in the past.
“This is a big step forward that will help to expand travel options for local families and businesses and help Worcester Airport to attract more carriers,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern of new navigation system.
Currently, Worcester Regional Airport, built in 1944, operates a CAT I system.
The landing system upgrade is the latest safety improvement to come to the Worcester airport. In June, the newly renovated $3 million Airport Rescue Fire Fighting station opened.
“Safety and security are the top priorities for MassPort and this investment is just another example of our commitment to the residents of Central Massachusetts,” said MassPort CEO Thomas P. Glynn.
Officials have been talking about getting the new landing system for the airport for years. In February 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration agreed to take ownership and operation of the new landing system. The project had been awaiting funding since then.
http://www.masslive.com/news/worcester/index.ssf/2015/10/work_to_begin_on_worcester_reg.html