Burns Celebrates the Opening of Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) today opened to the public Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A.

The 33-gate terminal expands airport capacity by 20 percent, replacing a 50-year-old facility with a 1-million-square-foot, modern transportation hub. Travel amenities include leading-edge airport technologies, low-impact sustainability features, as well as uniquely New Jersey experiential multimedia.

A decade in the making, the $2.7-billion Tutor Perini/Parsons joint venture is the largest design-build project in New Jersey history. Terminal A is expected to achieve LEED® Silver certification.

“Newark Airport’s new Terminal A is a world-class, 21^st-century marvel — with cutting-edge check-in, security, and touchless e-gate technology,” said PANYNJ Executive Director Rick Cotton at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Public art, iconic concessions, and highly original digital displays also create an unmistakable New Jersey sense of place.”

Following a phased approach, the airport will initially place 21 gates into operation, minimizing potential disruption to airlines and passengers. The remaining 12 gates will become fully operational in 2023.

Burns is proud of our team’s contributions on this remarkable project. Our involvement goes back more than a decade, supporting PGAL during planning stages and later serving as an owner’s representative to PANYNJ. Burns’ subject matter expertise guided the terminal’s development through the concept stage as well as during project design, construction and commissioning.

Burns served as engineer of record for:

• A state-of-the-art experiential multimedia program
  Burns provided electrical, technology, structural, and mechanical design support. Features include:
  • A 1,600-square-foot installation displaying custom-produced art above the TSA checkpoint, welcoming passengers into the concourse
  • The “Forest of Firsts,” an installation of two-story pylons celebrating New Jersey’s scientific, literary, artistic, and technology achievements
• World-class arrivals-level frontage
  Burns incorporated innovative, future-proofed information technology systems that will facilitate passenger flow and accommodate the eventual adoption of autonomous vehicles. In addition, Burns led design of digital wayfinding, lighting, mechanical, and stormwater systems
• Airline operational technologies
  Burns led design of radio systems and airline tenant network connectivity
• Specialized structural designs
  Burns developed structural support systems for the terminal’s massive artwork and multimedia installations

Acting as an owner’s representative, Burns oversaw:

• Building services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems
• Specialized services covering security, telecommunications, wireless technologies, innovative multimedia, and advanced passenger processing
• Structural systems — deep foundations as well as substructure and superstructure design — including an 880-foot arrivals-level canopy structure and an Ethylene tetrafluorethylene roofing system

“Travelers through Terminal A should prepare to be amazed. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s visionary approach culminated in an exceptional, distinctive passenger experience,” said Burns Vice President of Aviation Brian Phillips. “Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A is truly a masterpiece of airport innovation.”