November 22, 2008 Direct Air begins new service at Worcester Regional Play video

(Stephen Iandoli, NECN) - Following two years of sitting idle, and as the economy continues to struggle, engines revved, commercial flights landed and took off, and the flight tower was buzzing again at Worcester Regional Airport.

In less than ideal conditions Saturday, with a wind chill factor of one-below zero, California-based Direct Air began its tri-weekly service to two Florida cities -- Punta Gorda and Orlando. The planes were leased to Direct Air by Virgin America.

The inaugural commercial flight was the first in Worcester since Allegiant pulled its planes in 2006. Direct Air President Ed Warneck saw this as the right time to launch a business model he says is different than past Airport efforts that failed.

Direct Air also announced it has an agreement in place to add service from Worcester to Myrtle Beach, S.C., two flights per week -- Thursdays and Sundays, starting in March, 2009.