Newark Airport’s Swanky New Terminal Has Seen 9M Passengers So Far

NEWARK, NJ — A swanky new terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport has hit full stride, with more than nine million passengers passing through its halls since it opened earlier this year.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Wednesday that the new, $2.7 billion Terminal A is now “fully operational” with the opening of its final five gates. The reborn terminal also includes new restaurants and retail outlets, as well as the transfer of Delta Air Lines’ operations and Sky Club lounge from their previous home in Terminal B.

Delta joins Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines at the new Terminal A. Read More: Bigger, Better $2.7 Billion Terminal At Newark Airport Unveiled (VIDEO)

Here’s how the Port Authority described upgrades done to the terminal, which opened in January:

“The new 1 million-square-foot Terminal A replaced the previous terminal that opened in 1973. The 33-gate facility features airy, light-filled concourses alongside state-of-the-art digital technology, modern passenger amenities, superior dining and retail options, and an innovative public art program showcasing dozens of local artists. Terminal A has been designed and constructed to the standards of LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.”

As of mid-August, the terminal has served more than nine million passengers, and is on target to reach 10 million in mid-September, officials said.

Many of those passengers have gotten a chance to try out some of the new restaurants and retail stores that have come along for the ride at the new terminal. Last year, Port Authority officials announced that a “world-class roster” of household-name restaurants would be coming to Terminal A, including Starbucks, Shake Shack, Bluestone Lane and Hugo Boss – all of whom have signed agreements to operate in the one million-square-foot space.

• See Related: Newark Airport Will See Huge Lineup Of New Restaurants, Businesses

“The full rebirth of Newark Liberty International Airport begins with this gleaming new terminal,” Port Authority chair Kevin O’Toole said.

Delta spokespeople also gave a thumbs-up to Wednesday’s announcement.

“Delta’s move to the transformed and modernized Terminal A helps us further enhance the travel journey for our Newark customers for years to come,” said Ginny Elliott, Delta Air Lines’s vice president of East Coast airport operations.

“This relocation also makes it possible for us to open a new, larger Delta Sky Club, where lounge guests can relax and recharge before their flights,” Elliott said.

More upgrades are on the way at the airport, officials have noted.

Earlier this year, the Port Authority Board of Commissioners authorized $12 million for the planning and preliminary design of the EWR station access project, which is expected to increase public transit access for the South Ward neighborhood to the airport – and New York City.

• See Related: Quicker Trip To Airport Coming For Newark, Elizabeth Residents

A privately financed Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility is expected to open later this year. The 2.7 million-square-foot facility will consolidate 10 rental car operations under one roof, allowing for a streamlined, simplified rental process, the Port Authority said.

• See Related: $170M Newark Airport Parking Complex May Make Renting Cars Easier

There are also plans for the AirTrain that serves the airport, officials added:

“For travelers seeking mass transit options to the airport, the Port Authority is committed to building a brand-new AirTrain Newark system, which is integral to modernizing and improving Newark Liberty. AirTrain Newark will be replaced through a multi-phase procurement process. Earlier this year, the agency selected three automated-people-mover (APM) system technology firms to advance to the next phase of a multi-phase procurement process to replace the existing AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a new 2.5-mile automated train system.”

The AirTrain started operating in 1996 and is now “outdated,” according to the Port Authority. It carries an average of 26,000 passengers per day and nearly 10 million passengers per year. It connects to the Northeast Corridor Rail Link Station and provides customers and employees with the ability to transfer among terminals, parking lots and rental car facilities.

More details about the future of the airport can be found in the agency’s recently released EWR Vision Plan, which serves as a framework for future development through 2065.

Have YOU taken a plane trip through the new Terminal A at Newark Airport since it opened? Is it a big improvement – or more of the same old song and dance? Take the poll below and share your opinion.

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