Newark Liberty celebrates opening of new Terminal A

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today celebrated the opening of  Terminal A, the centrepiece of an airport-wide upgrade designed to establish Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region.

The new terminal represents the largest design-build project in New Jersey history and testifies to New York Governor Phil Murphy’s ongoing commitment to critical infrastructure and transportation projects that will benefit New Jerseyans for generations to come.

The $2.7 billion terminal, which will replace an outmoded Terminal A that first opened in 1973, is said to feature “state-of-the-art passenger amenities, dazzling artwork, digital technology and dining and retail options provided by 60 regional, national and global brands, including six retailers from Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City”.

It features approximately one million square feet of space and offers 33 gates to handle larger aircraft, as well as a modernised common-use check-in area, security and baggage claim areas expected to efficiently handle an estimated 13.6 million passengers per annum.

In addition to the new terminal, the $3.3 billion Newark Liberty redevelopment programme also includes a $400 million integrated public parking garage with new centralised rental car facilities, and $175 million for south airfield paving.

“Today’s unveiling of Terminal A marks the culmination of the largest infrastructure project I have had the honour of overseeing during my administration, as well as the realisation of our vision for a state founded upon sound infrastructure and fuelled by economic opportunity,” said Governor Murphy.

“From uniquely New Jersey concessions to innovative public art installations and world-class facilities, Terminal A is revolutionising travel in a state that has always been – and always will be – a model for the rest of the nation to follow.

“Just as importantly, while Terminal A’s transformation solidifies Newark Liberty’s status as a regional and international transportation hub, it will also spur billions of dollars in economic activity and generate the good-paying jobs upon which our communities depend.”

PANYNJ’s chairman, Kevin O’Toole, said: “Newark Liberty serves a vital role in the region’s economy, and we are committed to enhancing the passenger experience by transforming the airport into one of the premier airports in the world.

“This is New Jersey’s largest design-build project, creating opportunities within the local community that is resulting in thousands of jobs to deliver a world-class facility.”

While Port Authority executive director, Rick Cotton, enthused: “Newark Airport’s new Terminal A is a world-class 21st century marvel, with cutting edge check-in, security, and touchless e-gate technology. Public art, iconic concessions and highly original digital displays also create an unmistakable New Jersey sense of place.

“The new Terminal A at Newark is a shining example of the Port Authority’s commitment to build inspiring and appealing world-class transportation facilities for the region.”

Terminal A is expected to generate more than $4.6 billion in regional economic activity, create more than 2,500 jobs and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages.

As of June 2022, the Terminal A programme had awarded 94 sub-contracts to minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) totaling more than $686 million and $213 million  for 92 sub-contracts to New Jersey firms.

Newark Liberty currently provides jobs for approximately 19,250 people directly employed at the airport. It contributes more than $29.3 billion in annual economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, supporting more than 128,000 total jobs and nearly $10.8 billion in annual wages.

PANYNJ notes that it partnered with Xovis, a global leader in 3D sensors and software, to equip the new terminal with “state-of-the-art technology to meet the passenger needs of the modern era”. Adding that it sensor technology will be employed at check-in and security, smart restrooms, waypoints, and departure gate doors – all to help reduce wait times, increase overall efficiency of operations, and improve the customer experience.

Inspiring public art will greet passengers as they move through the new terminal, which showcases the work of 29 local artists with unique art installations that support the Port Authority’s vision for a transformative customer experience offering a distinctive New Jersey sense of place.

Complementing the comprehensive public art programme is an immersive digital journey, created by multimedia studio Moment Factory, that is said to captivate passengers with the Garden State’s renowned landmarks, art, and innovations through a series of permanent large-scale multimedia installations.

In keeping with the Port Authority’s sustainability goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities by 80% by 2050, the new terminal features a variety of sustainable design initiatives including integral solar panels on the kerbside glass canopy and roof of the integrated parking structure, new electric buses to support shuttle operations, water-efficient fixtures, a “cool roof,” and energy-efficient indoor lighting and controls.

Finally, the reimagined EWR Terminal A is said to feature a cutting edge, digital media programme designed in partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor’s airport division.

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.

Internationally recognised airport operator Munich Airport NJ will oversee operations, maintenance and concession functions.