Based on several studies analyzing air travel demand from the Worcester area, the Research Bureau concluded that the potential demand for Worcester Airport is currently over 300,000 enplanements per year, and would increase to well over 400,000 enplanements very early in the next century. In order to capture that demand, however, investments of at least $26 million would have to be made in existing airport facilities, access routes, and parking facilities. These improvements would overcome some of the difficulties presented by poor weather conditions and access to the Airport, and should result in greater reliability and frequency of flights. Although some of these improvements are eligible for substantial funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), others are not. If the City, because of its financial constraints is unable to give priority to funding improvements at the Airport, then alternative forms of governing the Airport should be considered. The options include establishing an authority, leasing the facility to Massport or a private company, contracting with a private company for management of the Airport, and selling the Airport to run it as a private facility. The City Manager should hire a consultant to determine which of these options is best to secure the future of Worcester Airport.