Newark Liberty Terminal A provides glimpse of EWR's futureRunway Girl

NEWARK — Newark Liberty International Airport’s sparkling new Terminal A is providing a roadmap for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as planning commences to develop a new international terminal to replace EWR Terminal B and improve the customer experience at Terminal C.

Part of a broader 40-year EWR Vision Plan that includes airside, landside and terminal development, the new Terminal B and C projects will “complement the airport’s award-winning new Terminal A that opened in January 2023, which could also see further expansion,” the Port Authority said in a statement.

“The spacious, streamlined terminals would allow the airport to accommodate continued growth in passenger volume, while leaving space for further expansion as needed.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., who serves as executive of Essex County, where Newark Liberty is based, added: “The recent opening of the new Terminal A gave us a look into the future of what Newark Liberty International Airport can become and the EWR Vision Plan provides us with a thoughtful and comprehensive roadmap on how to get there.”

Let’s take a look at Terminal A.

Passengers who have traveled through the new terminal, including your author, understand DiVincenzo’s sentiment. The high-ceilinged space is modern, bright, airy, and beautifully architected.

Terminal A also pays homage to the incredible local artists in New Jersey.

Indeed, according to Munich Airport NJ (MANJ) LLC, which manages Terminal A’s operations, concessions, facilities & maintenance, and security — and provided design consultation on the project — there are 29 pieces of public art curated and on display in EWR Terminal A.

“The vast majority of the art consists of local New Jersey artists who respond to annual calls for art coordinated through partnerships between Munich Airport NJ LLC, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts,” MANJ marketing and communications manager Victor Domine told Runway Girl Network.

“There are two larger, permanent displays that were procured by the Port Authority and the Public Art Fund,” Domine noted. A dedicated Terminal A web site details current and past art collections in the space.

A large circular art installation hangs from the roof of Terminal A and gradually the circles get smaller as it tapers off.

“Approach” is a powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel installation, created by Karyn Olivier.

MANJ is a 100% owned subsidiary of Munich Airport International (MAI), which itself is a 100% owned subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH (FMG) – the operator of Munich International Airport and all its subsidiaries.

There are currently about 150 full-time MANJ employees working at Newark Liberty Terminal A.

Asked by RGN to describe the drivers behind MANJ’s decision to bid on the Terminal A operational work, Domine explained: “MANJ and the EWR Terminal A Operator agreement represent a great opportunity to do more than consult on projects, but to partner with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on designing and operating a world-class airport terminal.

“MANJ was perfectly positioned to win this award because it was able to leverage the vast expertise of FMG and MAI, which have a long and proven track-records of establishing and operating world-class airports and terminals around the globe.”

Terminal A has since become the recipient of several industry accolades.

“While there is always room for improvement, MANJ is pleased with the recent accolades from international organizations recognizing EWR Terminal A for excellence,” said Domine.

He continued, “The SkyTrax 5-Star Rating, being named the 2024 Best New Airport Terminal in the World, LEED Certification, and receiving the Prix Versailles award, are all current indicators that MANJ, Munich Airport International, and FMG are making good on its joint-vision of developing a world-class terminal at EWR, paving the way for further world-class enhancements at EWR.”

Now, with the release of its EWR Vision Plan, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has vowed to build on the success of the 33-gate Terminal A.

“Newark’s Terminal A is an extraordinary terminal built for modern air travel, and we are thrilled to release the EWR Vision Plan, which lays out a blueprint to transform the airport to accommodate future growth and provide a 21st century travel experience at all of Newark Liberty’s facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton in a statement.

The EWR Vision Plan, which was developed in partnership with design firm Arup and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will pursue a phased approach to minimize the impact on airport operations while fostering new business opportunities for the local community.

“The enhancements would also provide new opportunities for the Port Authority to advance the agency’s industry-leading sustainability efforts, furthering its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (PDF) while assisting its operational partners in achieving the same goal,” said the Port Authority.

For its part, MANJ is excited to work on some of the shorter-term plans (within 10 years) of expanding Terminal A’s gate count in preparation for the full expansion of EWR Terminal B.

“MANJ anticipates it will respond to all relevant RFPs created by the Port Authority related to executing its Vision Plan for expanding Newark Liberty International Airport,” revealed Domine.

Renderings of the proposed new Terminal B are available on the Port Authority’s Flickr account.