Officials at New York’s LaGuardia Airport have unveiled its new concourse at the hub’s Terminal B.
The construction of the new concourse is the first step in the re-imagining of Terminal B, where American Airlines has exclusively operated since December 2017. The US$5.1bn transformation of the rest of Terminal B is scheduled for completion in 2022 and is led by the Port Authority, LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), American Airlines and other airport stakeholders. American Airlines will begin operating flights out of the new concourse on December 1.
Michael J Minerva, American Airline’s vice president of government and airport affairs, said, “Today marks an important step in the evolution of LaGuardia. We’re investing back into our business in partnership with the Port Authority and LaGuardia Gateway Partners, making LaGuardia a more modern, enjoyable, customer-friendly gateway to the Big Apple.”
The new concourse is filled with world-class technology, innovation, and best-in-class amenities and services, including notable brand names like FAO Schwarz, Shake Shack and MAC.
Over the next few years, two new concourses featuring 35 gates will be built at Terminal B. The two concourses will be connected to the main terminal by dual pedestrian bridges spanning an active taxiway. The project includes a new 840,000ft² (78,000m²) main terminal with high ceilings and corridors filled with natural light.
Rick Cotton, executive director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, commented, “For too long, LaGuardia Airport has offered its passengers a substandard experience, but this weekend’s opening of the first new concourse shows the Port Authority is committed to improving the passenger experience with world-class facilities that turns Governor Cuomo’s vision into a beautiful reality.
“American Airlines has been a fixture at LaGuardia since the airport’s opening, and its use of these new gates helps symbolize the progress we’re making to improve the customer experience as the airport enters an exciting new phase of its history.”