LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) – the private entity operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, announced today that it will open the first 11 gates located in the eastern concourse of the new state-of-the-art Terminal B on December 1st, 2018. LGP is comprised of Vantage Airport Group, Skanska, Meridiam and JLC Infrastructure.
With best-in-class retail and food options, innovative design and family-friendly spaces and modern amenities, the new concourse showcases LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ and Governor Cuomo’s vision to build a unified, 21st century airport that is a leader in guest experience, innovation and sustainability.
Air Canada, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines will all operate flights from the new concourse, with United Airlines joining in 2019.
“The opening of the new eastern concourse at Terminal B is just the first step in our mission to provide a top-class visitor experience at LaGuardia, worthy of the greatest city in the world,” said Stewart Steeves, Chief Executive Officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “Our concourse’s innovative design, inclusive atmosphere, and choice food and retail options will bring LaGuardia into the 21st century, and we’re proud to work with both the Governor and the Port Authority to transform Terminal B into a gateway New Yorkers can be proud of.”
The concourse features ample gate seating, with charging stations throughout seating areas, a nursing room, and thoughtfully designed restrooms that include spacious stalls and above sink shelves that will keep belongings dry. It also features Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge, with the United Club to follow in 2019.
We are excited to have worked with our partners and so many subcontractors to make the opening of the eastern concourse of Terminal B a reality,” said Magnus Eriksson, Executive Vice President of Skanska and Chair of the Board of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “This collaborative effort, using innovative construction and design techniques is something that we are proud to bring to LaGuardia, and our project continues to have one of the largest Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) participation goals in the New York State.”
New retail options available in the new concourse include the latest New York City location for the legendary New York toy store FAO Schwarz, as well as offerings from SoHo based independent bookseller McNally Jackson, Hudson, LaGuardia Dufry Duty Free Shops, M∙A∙C, District Market – with specialty Made in Queens products – and Spa Here.
These shops join the previously announced food and beverage partners from earlier this year: Shake Shack, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Osteria Fusco, La Chula Bar & Taqueria, Kingside Bar & Restaurant and Five Boroughs Market.
Prioritizing a family-friendly atmosphere, the new concourse also features an airport themed children’s play area, which includes a 16-foot interactive display. The display creates a multi-user experience that allows kids of all ages to design their own aircraft on a tablet and watch it come to life on a giant digital wall as it takes off from LaGuardia’s runway.
The play area is nestled next to a beautiful indoor green space, modeled after New York City’s own parks, that includes greenery, benches and plenty of natural light for passengers to relax with their children and families before their flights.
“Today’s milestone is the result of strong partnerships and a bold vision for LaGuardia Airport,” said George Casey, Chair and CEO, Vantage Airport Group. “Since 2016, we have been proud to bring Vantage’s expertise in airport investment, project management, commercial development and management and operations to the transformation of Terminal B, and look forward to celebrating many more milestones that will entirely transform the passenger experience at LaGuardia Airport.”
When complete, Terminal B will completely redefine the guest experience at LaGuardia. Dual pedestrian bridges will span active aircraft taxi lanes – the first in the world – and connect the main part of the terminal to two island concourses. Passengers will walk above aircraft as they make their way to their gate, all while enjoying views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. In addition, this island and bridge design will increase the taxi-way space for aircraft. The gates in the concourse are “common use,” meaning that any Terminal B airline can use any gate – increasing efficiency.
“We’re building a completely new, unified airport that will be a leader in innovation and a model for redevelopment projects across the country,” said Jane Garvey, Chairman of Meridiam North America. “From advancements in technology to iconic NY shops and restaurants, the new LaGuardia is delivering for New York. Meridiam is proud to join today with LaGuardia Gateway Partners and Governor Cuomo to celebrate our continued progress at Terminal B and create an exciting future for the city.”
In July 2015, Governor Cuomo unveiled the vision for a comprehensive redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport. The 1.3-million square foot redevelopment of Terminal B, with a construction value of $4 billion, is one of the largest public-private partnerships in American history and the largest in U.S. aviation.
The redevelopment includes a new 35-gate terminal, a parking garage, and a Central Hall, which will unify the airport by connecting to Terminal C, which is also being redeveloped. Once complete, Governor Cuomo and LGP will have created a state-of-the-art terminal that truly celebrates the best of New York.
