THE CHALLENGE

Designing, planning and managing a new airport terminal

With its close proximity and easy access to New York City, LaGuardia Airport is a key transportation hub and a critical piece of U.S. aviation infrastructure. When it first opened in 1939, LaGuardia was a spacious, modern facility.

However, the 1964 Central Terminal Building was designed to handle 8 million passengers. In 2019, more than 14 million people travelled through the terminal.

In 2011, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) sought submissions to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a new central Terminal through a public-private partnership and long-term lease for operations. This would be the largest P3 infrastructure project in U.S. history.

The $5.1 billion project called for a new world-class terminal to handle current and increasing passenger volume, as well as flexibility for changes in aircraft size, all within the highly constrained footprint of the existing facility.

The project also required the current terminal’s operations to be transferred from the Port Authority to a private operator. Operations at the existing terminal would have to run smoothly throughout the construction with minimal disruptions to passengers, airlines and tenants.

 

George Casey, Vantage Airport Group Chair and CEO, at the LaGuardia Terminal B groundbreaking event.

THE SOLUTION

The scale, complexities and ground-breaking nature of this project suited Vantage’s strengths and experience. We engaged key partners and to create LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) to bid on the project. Harnessing the expertise from across our network and alongside our partners, LaGuardia Gateway Partners developed an integrated, complex and comprehensive plan to give New Yorkers an airport they could be proud of.

The LGP team developed a bold vision for this project that minimized risk and disruption, maximizing value to all stakeholders and delivering a great passenger experience. The proposed concept also significantly improved efficiency for airlines, accelerated construction schedule and simplified staging and phasing.

The proposed concept also integrated a comprehensive airline strategy, operations management and financing strategy to reduce risk and ensure the project’s success.

 

THE RESULT

On June 1, 2016, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and LaGuardia Gateway Partners signed a lease agreement for the public-private partnership to redevelop, operate and manage LaGuardia’s Terminal B.

COmpleted on time and on budget in July 2023, the new Terminal B is completely redefining guest experienceThe terminal offers best-in-class retail, food, beverage and amenities that more than doubles the offering of the original facility.   Dual pedestrian skybridges active aircraft taxi lanes – a first in the world – and connect the main part of the terminal to two island concourses. Passengers walk above aircraft as they make their way to their gate, all while enjoying views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. In addition, this island and bridge design increases the taxiway space for aircraft.   Terminal B truly celebrates the best of New York, serving as a source of pride for locals and an exceptional gateway for visitors. 

In 2023, Skytrax named LaGuardia Terminal B The Best New Airport Terminal in the World, and North America’s first 5 Star Terminal, Skytrax’ highest ranking for airport excellence.