It's finally JetBlue.

• Position: COMMENTARY

Byline: Robert Z. Nemeth

COLUMN: ROBERT Z. NEMETH

Of all the local events I've been forced to miss due to a medical condition - recuperating from surgery - the one I regret most was the welcoming reception for JetBlue at Worcester Regional Airport. Having been associated with the airport in various capacities for years, I've been waiting for that event for a long time.

Indeed, JetBlue's arrival to Worcester is a big deal, perhaps the biggest since the Massachusetts Port Authority acquired the airport from the city in 2010 for the bargain price of $15 million. The authority made substantial capital investments. A few weeks ago, it authorized spending $32 million to upgrade landing systems to make the facility more attractive to major airlines.

JetBlue will be offering one flight daily between Worcester and Orlando, Fla., and another daily flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., starting Nov. 7. The service may be expanded to other destinations if market demand warrants it. At its peak in 1989, the airport served 340,000 passengers. Between 2009 and 2012, Direct Air, a charter airline, was the only commercial carrier left. Even though it did not fly every day, 250,000 passengers used Worcester's airport.

New York-based JetBlue is the sixth-largest passenger carrier in the U.S., with a fleet of 180 aircraft, 15,000 employees and annual operating revenues of $4.5 billion. It is the largest and fastest-growing carrier at Logan International Airport, with more than 100 flights a day to 49 destinations.

The company has a reputation for prudent management and good customer service. In view of the unstable history of Worcester's airport, the statement by JetBlue president and CEO Dave J. Barger gains special importance: "When we make a commitment, our intent is to be here long-term."

Worcester's courtship of JetBlue has been long and intense. It included visits to the city by JetBlue executives and overtures by the local business and political leaders. JetBlue started considering Worcester at the request of Massport. Mr. Barger visited the airport and made several public appearances in the city, raising hopes with his much-quoted observation: "Worcester feels very JetBlue."

Lt. Gov. Tim Murray used political influence and was instrumental in persuading the airline to choose his hometown. "Central Massachusetts and the commonwealth are thrilled to welcome JetBlue to Worcester Regional Airport," he said. "It has been a pleasure working with Dave Barger and...