ures at Newark Airport Terminal A
“ qualities of innovation , creativity , reflection of local , natural and cultural heritage , and ecological efficiency , as well as the values of social interaction and participation which the United Nations holds in high regard .” LaGuardia
Airport ’ s Terminal B was the recipient of this prestigious award in 2021 .
In describing Newark ’ s Terminal A , officials often remark about its world-class customer experience . Some of the most innovative design features enjoyed by the 13.6 million passengers traveling through the terminal annually resulted from the Port Authority ’ s partnership with Xovis , a global leader in 3D sensors and software . The company ’ s innovative technology was used at check-in , security , restrooms , waypoints , and departure gate doors to reduce wait time and increase overall efficiency and improve the customers ’ experience .
Dynamic signage in the TSA que displays wait times and allows queue zones to be adjusted to better manage passengers . Security screening includes state of the art technology systems to expedite screening . Checked baggage is screened using an artificial intelligence-based , robotic assisted system which can quickly troubleshoot and divert high-rise baggage for deeper inspection .
“ The new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport represents the largest single investment in the State of New Jersey by the Port Authority in the agency ’ s 102-year history and its opening stands as one of the proudest moments of my time as Chairman ,” said O ’ Toole , who is Jersey guy himself , having been raised in Cedar Grove and previously served as a state senator . “ The Port Authority is committed to creating a world class experience for our customers , and the new Terminal A delivers with a spectacular mix of modern amenities and state of the art technology to help passengers on their journey .”
While the terminal gets most of the kudos , the design project also included a $ 400 million public parking garage and a rental car facility , as well as a $ 175 million in south airfield renovations . Plans for the project date to 2004 when the Port Authority Board of Commissioners authorized three planning studies to modernize and expand Terminal A .
Phase 2 began in 2009 with the formation of the Terminal A Redevelopment Program . A report was then issued defining the planning parameters . Intensive stakeholder engagement meetings also kicked off , including all Port Authority departments , airlines , and agencies . The meetings weighed whether to renovate the existing terminal or build anew . Ultimately , it was decided the new terminal would be more cost effective with little to no impact to the old terminal ’ s operations during construction . In 2015 preliminary work began . Three years later the in terminal design contract was awarded and construction commenced .
“ The new Terminal A is just the start . The Port Authority has launched the EWR Vision planning process , an effort which will create a far-reaching strategy for reimagining the future of Newark Liberty and transforming it into a world class gateway for New Jersey and the region ,” O ’ Toole said .
November 2023 COMMERCE 11