United Airlines customers traveling through New York-LaGuardia Airport have begun using five new gates on the Terminal B Eastern Concourse, following the first phase of a US$4bn redevelopment project.
Operated by LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the redeveloped 1,300,000ft2 (120,775m2) terminal features 13 new shops, restaurants and services, all inspired by New York – from the iconic Shake Shack and local Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, to an outpost of the city’s famous toy store, FAO Schwarz.
“United customers depend on LaGuardia for frequent service to key business cities such as Chicago and Denver and the new Terminal B represents a huge improvement in the facilities we are able to provide, including a gorgeous new United Club,” said Jill Kaplan, United’s president of New York and New Jersey. “A world-class city like New York deserves a state-of-the-art airport – which is why we are absolutely thrilled to be moving our operations to the spectacular new Terminal B Eastern Concourse at LaGuardia Airport.”
“This is another important step in our ongoing commitment to provide world-class facilities that turn Governor Cuomo’s vision for a 21st century LaGuardia into reality. And we are undertaking this comprehensive rebuilding of LaGuardia Airport while continuing full operation at LaGuardia and serving record numbers of passengers,” said Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
The new concourse features ample gate seating, with charging stations throughout the seating area along with free unlimited high-speed wi-fi, offered by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Additional features include a ‘park’ area complete with greenery and benches, an airport themed children’s play area which contains a 16ft (5m) interactive display, and restrooms with spacious stalls and above-sink shelves that will keep belongings dry while washing hands.
As part of the terminal redevelopment, United opened its newest United Club on June 2. Located after security near United’s gates, the new club, at 10,500ft2 (975m2) is 30% larger than its predecessor, with more than 200 seats.
