NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vantage Airport Group, a global airport investor, developer, planner and manager, today announced the completion of a significant phase of the $5.1 billion transformation of LaGuardia’s Terminal B with the opening of the Arrivals & Departures Hall. Representing the largest public-private partnership in U.S. aviation history, the monumental project follows the vision outlined by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in creating a unified, 21st century terminal system and is now 80% complete.
“Vantage keenly understands how to bring a best-in-class experience to airport passengers at every step along the guest journey.”
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The Arrivals & Departures Hall will welcome all Terminal B passengers to check in, pass through centralized, state-of-the-art security screening, experience new shops, restaurants and amenities, and pick up their checked baggage. As LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ (LGP) lead developer, equity investor and terminal manager with oversight of the construction program, Vantage has been leading the redevelopment since the Port Authority first initiated its plans to redevelop Terminal B in 2011.
“Today’s milestone represents an important step forward in our collective efforts to revolutionize one of New York’s most important gateways and a critical piece of U.S. aviation infrastructure,” said George Casey, Chair & CEO, Vantage Airport Group and Board Director, LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “As an equity investor, lead developer and manager of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, it’s been an honor to oversee the redevelopment and management of Terminal B alongside the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”
“Together with the Port Authority, airlines, the TSA, concessionaires, and other key stakeholders, we have created a world-class terminal that will entirely transform the passenger experience and help deliver on Governor Cuomo’s vision for a unified LaGuardia. We are proud to share this milestone with our partners, travelers and New Yorkers. With the completion of the Arrivals & Departures Hall, we have raised the bar for the airport experience, not just at LaGuardia but for the entire U.S. airport system,” continued Mr. Casey.
The opening of the Arrivals & Departures Hall comes as the aviation industry navigates a new age of travel through the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Vantage has implemented a rigorous set of new protocols to enhance existing health and safety standards at each of its airports, including Terminal B, in partnership with the Port Authority. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers and employees, new measures include reduced person-to-person contact via plexiglass screens, use of electrostatic fogging equipment for sanitization, physical distance queue management, and increased cleaning and sanitization of all areas.
The new 850,000 square foot Arrivals & Departures Hall boasts four levels, housing ground transportation access, baggage carousels, an expansive check-in area, and a centralized, 16-lane TSA screening checkpoint with the most technologically advanced screening equipment. The Hall’s fourth level is home to a new commercial district with shops and restaurants featuring New York favorites alongside global brands.
“Vantage Airport Group has immense experience in managing and executing world class guest airport experiences – leveraging the latest in innovation, design planning and management practices to provide the best possible guest experience – and I am proud to be a part of their team and to have them as a partner in the redevelopment of LaGuardia’s Terminal B,” said Stewart Steeves, Chief Executive Officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners and a Senior Executive at Vantage Airport Group. “Vantage keenly understands how to bring a best-in-class experience to airport passengers at every step along the guest journey.”
The Arrivals & Departures Hall further brings the vibrant New York spirit to the overall airport experience through architectural and design finishes inspired by New York’s iconic neighborhoods, and the spectacular collection of public art installations commissioned for the terminal through a partnership with the Public Art Fund. Vantage has a strong heritage of incorporating custom art into its terminals to create an inspiring atmosphere at every point of the passenger journey.
With the completion of the Arrivals & Departures Hall, the team will now focus efforts on completing the final components of Terminal B, including demolition of the original terminal and the opening of gates in the western concourse. Once finished, the new Terminal B will include 1.3 million square feet of new space, as well as elevated dual pedestrian bridges spanning active taxi lanes, a concept envisioned by Vantage and brought to life by design and architecture partner HOK. With 25 years of experience managing and operating more than 30 airports around the world, Vantage will operate Terminal B through 2050.
About Vantage Airport Group
Passionate about People, Place and Performance, Vantage Airport Group is a leading investor, developer, planner and manager of airports around the world. Since 1994, Vantage has been making airports more efficient, profitable, sustainable and connected to the communities they serve. Vantage has lent its expertise to 31 airports in its 26-year history, taking 20 from public to private management. Its current network is composed of ten airports, including LaGuardia Terminal B in New York and Midway International Airport in Chicago. As part of JFK Millennium Partners, Vantage has also been selected by JetBlue as its development partner for the planned redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 6. Together, Vantage airports served 58 million passengers in 2019, travelling on 150 different airlines to 375 global destinations. Vantage is headquartered in Vancouver, with a growing North American profile that includes a presence in New York, Chicago and Denver. Vantage is a wholly-owned strategic platform of Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport sector. For more information on Vantage’s industry-leading approach, network airports and career opportunities, visit vantageairportgroup.com.