USA. LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) today opened the second phase of the Western Concourse at New York LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, with the project now 90% complete. As reported, the terminal opened in June 2020 as part of a US$5.1 billion transformation of the airport.
Two new retail shops – electronics specialist InMotion and essentials concept The Scoop opened alongside the concourse. These join the already-opened Bar Veloce, Beecher’s Market Café, Sweetleaf Coffee and Gotham News in the Western Concourse. Additional dining – Mi Casa, offering Mexican street food and an outpost of Manhattan’s Hunt and Fish Grill – will open in the near future.
American Airlines operates most of its flights out of the Western Concourse, which will also include a brand new 20,000sq ft Admirals Club. Phase one of the new 350+ seat lounge opened today, with completion by Spring 2022.
The interior of the 218,000sq ft Western Concourse is now fully open, featuring ceilings up to 55 feet high and flooding the space with natural light. This phase includes the opening of four new gates, which enables LGP to close the final gates of the original Central Terminal Building.
LGP said: “With modern amenities, innovative design and family-friendly spaces, the new concourse showcases the vision to build a 21st century terminal that is a leader in guest experience, innovation and sustainability.”
The new concourse was designed with families in mind, offering a children’s play area modelled after New York City. Guests can design their own city skyline on a 16-foot interactive display and climb on miniature bridges and skyscrapers. In addition, a new nursing mother’s room and two additional family restrooms have opened in the concourse.
Early next year, the second of the terminal’s dual sky bridges will open to connect the main part of the terminal to this second island concourse. Passengers will walk above aircraft as they make their way to their gate, while being able to view the Manhattan skyline.
LaGuardia Gateway Partners Executive Vice President of Skanska Asset Management and Chairman of the Board of Directors Magnus Eriksson said: “Today’s opening of four new gates within LaGuardia Airport Terminal B’s Western Concourse signifies the latest achievement in one of Skanska’s largest and most complex projects to date. We are thrilled to be nearing the finish line in delivering a world class terminal for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”
LaGuardia Gateway Partners Board Member and Vantage Airport Group CEO George Casey said: “From initial concept, investment, and construction oversight to terminal operations and management, I’m proud of Vantage’s leadership role in delivering one of the largest transportation public private partnerships in US history here at LaGuardia Terminal B. Today marks another important milestone to celebrate in the delivery of the new, world-class terminal that offers a completely transformed guest experience.”
LaGuardia Gateway Partners CEO Frank Scremin added: “With each new milestone, we are dramatically improving the customer experience and helping transform Terminal B into a gateway worthy of the greatest city in the world. Our terminal’s innovative design, inclusive atmosphere, and choice food and retail options bring LaGuardia further into the 21st century.”
