Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal Redevelopment – Newark, New Jersey

Built in 1928, the Newark Liberty International Airport was the first major commercial airport in the United States and is one of the nation’s oldest airfields. When Terminal A opened 50 years ago in 1973, it was designed to handle 9 million travelers annually. Since then, due to the rapid increase in air travelers and the development of innovative technology, the outdated terminal could not keep up with daily operations.

In 2018, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) awarded Parsons, as part of a joint venture with Tutor Perini, a design-build contract to transform Terminal A into a modernized space that delivers world-class customer experience to its 14 million annual passengers. Parsons performed a dual role on the project, working with Tutor Perini on constructing Terminal A, while also providing design services.

All photos are credited to PANYNJ.

Project Scope

• Design and construction support of the new 1 million-ft², 33-gate common-use terminal building and ramp. Terminal design provided more space, adding 60% more seating capacity. We also reorganized the layout of check-in, TSA checkpoints, and concessions to offer a more intuitive experience for air travelers
• A fully enclosed, elevated pedestrian walkway that connects the 3,000-passenger remote parking garage; the current and future AirTrain stations; the other terminals; the two existing AirTrain car rental stations, and the future consolidated car rental (ConRAC) facility
• The N60 bridge which carries the departure level frontage roadway and the walkway area fronting the terminal building
• Design of utilities within the terminal site such as a higher-energy savings HVAC system required for its LEED Silver point achievement, heating and cooling system, heat pump loop piping system (condenser water) and variable air boxes
• Implementation of the Program Information Management System (PMIS) by our digital solutions team, Parsons X
• Airfield apron planning that provides alternative opportunities for the development of Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) parking positions and increased Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operation areas

Sustainability In Action

The new terminal is accredited a LEED Silver certification and included the installation of a variety of energy-efficient features such as rooftop solar panels, water-efficient fixtures, an energy-efficient HVAC system, and energy-efficient indoor lighting throughout, while new electric buses support the facility’s shuttle operations.

Learn More About Our Aviation Expertise

We help communities around the world move people and goods safely and efficiently. As leaders in integrated design and delivery, and experts in the digital enablement of traditional transportation infrastructure, we combine new technologies – like cloud-based intelligent transportation solutions – with legacy infrastructure, to improve traffic efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions, and maximize our clients’ investment. Learn more.