MAI becomes operator of Newark Liberty’s new Terminal A

The official ceremony to announce the opening of the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport in the US state of New Jersey marked a key milestone in the five-year history of the global Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport.

Munich Airport NJ LLC, which was specifically established by MAI, will assume responsibility for running the new Terminal A at Newark Airport on behalf of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). This includes operations, technical terminal maintenance and managing the retail and catering space.

The new Terminal A at Newark Airport has a total area of around 93,000sqm and an annual capacity of up to 14 million passengers, making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in the state of New Jersey.

MAI believes that the new airport terminal will set new standards for airports in the US and around the world.

“The Port Authority of NYNJ, together with Munich Airport, has created infrastructure that uses state-of-the-art technology and efficient processes to provide a unique passenger experience and sets a new standard for the entire American airport industry,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.

Modelled on Munich as a premium hub, the new Terminal A in Newark is said to offer passengers “a 5-star airport experience” amidst surroundings that are heavily focused on characteristics of the state of New Jersey.

MAI explains: “A pioneer in science, art and culture, New Jersey provides inspiration for the design and commercial facilities in the new terminal.

“The concept, which goes by the name of “Journey of Surprises”, integrates all retail and terminal areas into a fascinating digital journey: innovative, digital elements, regional art installations, regional and global food and perfectly arranged furniture make traveling in Terminal A a special experience.”

About 100 MAI employees from 30 countries work in Newark and have run the current Terminal A for three years. All of them are said to be excited about the terminal opening after three years of preparations.

“Management contracts like those in Newark are a key building block for MAI’s successful growth and bolster our international presence,” enthused Dr Lutz Weisser, managing director of Munich Airport International GmbH.

In recent years, MAI has evolved from a leading provider of operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT) to a global airport operator.

With around 180 highly-qualified experts worldwide, to date it has successfully completed more than 125 projects in over 45 countries. MAI offers best-practice solutions for an airport’s entire life cycle, including tailored training programmes and integrated airport management.

The new Terminal A was designed and built by Tutor Perini/Parsons, with work completed in phases to minimise customer inconvenience.

After completion of a series of system tests, 21 gates will open later this month and the remaining 12 gates will be fully operational in 2023.