LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private company operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, has unveiled the first 11 gates located in the eastern concourse of the new state-of-the-art Terminal B. LGP is comprised of Vantage Airport Group, Skanska, Meridiam and JLC Infrastructure.
With best-in-class retail and food & beverage options, innovative design and family-friendly spaces and modern amenities, the new concourse showcases LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ and New York Governor Andrew 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,” commented Stewart Steeves, Chief Executive Officer, LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “Our concourse’s innovative design, inclusive atmosphere, and choice of 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 the seating areas, a nursing room, and upgraded restrooms. Additionally, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge is already available for passengers, with 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.”
Among some of the new retail options available for passengers in the new concourse are the legendary New York toy store FAO Schwarz, as well as offerings from SoHo based independent bookseller McNall 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 & beverage partners from earlier this year, including Shake Shack, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Osteria Fusco, La Chula Bar & Taqueria, Kingside Bar & Restaurant and Five Boroughs Market.
Creating a family-friendly atmosphere, the new concourse also features an airport-themed children’s play area with a five-metre-tall 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.
“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.”
Once complete, Terminal B is expected to help redefine the guest experience at LaGuardia. For instance, dual pedestrian bridges will span active aircraft taxi lanes and connect the main part of the terminal to two island concourses, while passengers will be able to walk above the aircraft as they make their way to their gate, enjoying views of the iconic Manhattan skyline.
In addition, the island and bridge design will increase the taxiway space for aircraft. The concourse comprises common use gates, available to any airline in Terminal B, which will also increase efficiency.
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 US 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.
