Newark Airport
Reimagining the traveller experience at Newark Airport
We feature highlights of the EWR Vision Plan, designed to elevate the traveller experience at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last week announced the unveiling of the EWR Vision Plan, a wide-ranging blueprint setting the course for Newark Liberty International Airport’s continued development over the coming decades.
The investment aims to accommodate passenger growth with modern, world-class terminals on par with the Port Authority’s reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport, its historic US$19 billion transformation at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty’s Terminal A, opened in January 2023.
The EWR Vision Plan calls for a “world-class” international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. It will add a new dimension to travelling through the 96-year-old airport, said the Port Authority, with an emphasis on reflecting “the culture and diversity of New Jersey”.
The EWR Vision Plan, developed in partnership with design firm Arup and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, charts a reimagining of the airport, complete with modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network and a redesigned taxiway network to accommodate more aircraft and reduce delays.
An aerial view of B and C terminals at Newark Airport
“Newark Liberty Airport serves as the gateway for millions of passengers, offering them their first welcome to the great state of New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The EWR Vision plan will solidify Newark Liberty’s status as a premier regional and international transportation hub. This transformation will not only enhance passenger service but also strengthen the airport’s role as a key economic driver for New Jersey and the surrounding region.”
“A modern, efficient, world-class Newark Liberty Airport is more than just a dream. We now have an actionable path forward thanks to this comprehensive vision plan,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As the blueprint shows, we’re ready to take a top-to-bottom look at everything from terminals to roadways to taxiways as we build EWR into a best-in-class global gateway and position it to continue serving as a vital economic engine for New Jersey and the region.”
Much of the current infrastructure dates to the 1970s, when terminals B and C and the original Terminal A were built.
A vision for the new-look Terminal B
Today, said the Port Authority, the airport’s legacy infrastructure struggles to meet the needs of modern air travel, with a record 49 million passengers served in 2023.
Through the vision plan, the Port Authority said it aims to accommodate future growth while delivering a world-class experience from kerb to gate.
Major elements of the EWR Vision Plan include:
- Terminal development: The plan calls for building a new, world-class international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. Both would complement the airport’s award-winning new Terminal A that opened in January 2023, which could also see further expansion.
- Airside development: The plan envisions improving the airport’s operations with a more efficient and resilient taxiway network, while accommodating the industry trend toward larger aircraft.
- Landside development: The blueprint looks to transform the airport’s vehicular and multi-modal access, prioritising efficiency and convenience for all users. Alongside terminal buildings, frontages will be expanded to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimizing walking distances. AirTrain access will be simplified, while connectivity and amenities for cyclists, pedestrians, and service vehicles would be improved. The Port Authority expects to begin a two- to three-year planning process in 2025 for major elements of the redevelopment, including cost projections and project delivery alternatives.
The long-term vision for Newark Airport after several phases of development
Against this backdrop of redevelopment, incumbent 3Sixty Duty Free & More has been awarded a new seven-year retail concession at Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B by Fraport USA and the Port Authority.
The agreement covers six stores, spanning 7,459sq ft, which will undergo full refurbishment and “elevate the travel retail experience”, the company said.
The contract includes core duty free and speciality stores and will feature a strong presence from local brands celebrating the best of New Jersey, 3Sixty Duty Free said.
“This award is a significant achievement for 3Sixty, as we continue to develop our footprint in the Americas and look to take our retail execution to new heights,” said 3Sixty Chief Operating Officer Alex Anson.
3Sixty will partner with ACDBE-certified firms SLA Worldwide and Creative Concessions, which the retailer said underscored its dedication to diversity and inclusion in its operations.
An impression of one of the new 3Sixty Duty Free stores to open at Terminal B
Partner’s message
The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 339 | 22 October 2024
The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 14 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (Moodie International Ltd). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please e-mail kristyn@moodiedavittreport.com