Arup selected to develop Vision Plan for future redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport

“Newark Liberty International Airport is a foundational piece of our transportation network, connecting New Jersey, New York, and beyond, to the world,” said Laura Ettelman, managing partner at SOM. “SOM is honored to partner with Arup and the Port Authority to reimagine, revitalize, and future-proof the EWR campus. Working together, we will create a more sustainable, efficient campus with increased capacity and smoother operations for airlines, and above all, elevate the passenger experience.”

Arup has been involved in airport development work for more than 50 years, and has led or is currently leading projects at many of the world’s major airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Hamad International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport and the recently released San Francisco International Airport’s zero net energy sustainability plan.

Arup and SOM also will be looking beyond the airport proper, seeking ways to increase the economic value of the airport to the region by maximizing job creation and economic opportunities in Newark, Elizabeth, and throughout the Port District. Partnering with local community residents, local businesses, community-based organizations and elected officials will be key to ensuring the successful outline of a plan.

In addition, they will be developing strategies for more operationally efficient parking facilities, road access and the potential creation of new Ground Transportation Center (GTC) facilities to meet current and future needs. Experts hired to conduct the study will also be asked to identify new cutting-edge technology resources to improve the customer experience and wayfinding capabilities.

Newark Liberty is in the midst of an airport-wide transformation, with three major projects underway totaling about $5.3 billion in public and private investment. First, a new Terminal A is scheduled to open later this year. Measuring more than one million square feet, the $2.7 billion facility – the largest design-build project in New Jersey history – is in the final stages of construction.

It is replacing the outdated current Terminal A and incorporating a new roadway access network and additional terminal-front parking once completed. The new Terminal A represents the largest single investment in New Jersey by the Port Authority in the agency’s 101-year history.

As part of the EWR Redevelopment Program, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRac) facility combined with Port Authority-funded public parking also is in the final stages of construction with a partial opening scheduled for later this year and a full opening in 2023.

Pre-pandemic, Newark Liberty ranked as the nation’s 12th busiest airport in total passengers, with 33 airlines serving more than 47.5 million customers in 2019 while offering non-stop service to more than 160 destinations globally. Newark Liberty also serves as a powerful economic engine for the region, with about 23,000 people employed in airport-related jobs.