Meridiam and LaGuardia Gateway Partners open arrival and departures hall in brand new Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport

New York, N.Y. (June 10, 2020) – LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, will open on June 13th a state-of-the-art Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall. It marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment project and signifies that the Terminal B project is approximately 80 percent complete. LaGuardia Gateway Partners is composed of Meridiam, Vantage Airport Group, Skanska and JLC Infrastructure for development and equity investment, Skanska Walsh as the design build joint venture, HOK and WSP for design, and Vantage Airport Group for management of the terminal operations.

The new 1.3 million square foot Terminal B signals the start of a modern era in New York City infrastructure and aviation and is part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vision for a state-of-the-art unified airport unveiled in July 2015.  With a construction value of $4 billion, the Terminal B project is one of the largest public-private partnerships in American history and The Terminal B redevelopment includes a new 35-gate terminal, a parking garage, and a Central Hall, which will unify the airport by connecting to Terminal C, which is also being redeveloped.

In an unveiling of the Arrivals and Departures Hall today, Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was joined by Meridiam North America Chairman and LaGuardia Gateway Partners Chairman of the Board, and Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) stated:

“The opening of the new Arrivals and Departures Hall at Terminal B is the biggest milestone to date in the transformation of LaGuardia Airport into a world-class transportation hub that is worthy of New York State,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we continue to upgrade and modernize this airport for the 21st century, this new state-of-the-art hall will offer passengers a unique travel experience with new concessions, traveler amenities and art installations by four of the world’s leading artists, while increasing space for passengers to move more safely and efficiently during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Meridiam is proud to be a part of LaGuardia Gateway Partners and work together with Governor Cuomo as we take the next step in building a state-of-the-art Terminal B. His leadership has been vital to this project,” said Jane Garvey, Chairman of Meridiam North America and Chairman of the Board, LaGuardia Gateway Partners.“The completion of the Arrivals and Departures Hall brings us closer to a brand new Terminal B that will provide passengers with a premier travel experience that is smooth and efficient – one that highlights the best of what New York has to offer. The completion of this piece of the project is a testament to the dedication of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, our private partners and project construction workers across New York State who worked tirelessly to bring the vision of this project to life.”

Thierry Déau, Meridiam’s Founder/CEO, stated: “The LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal B Project is a perfect example of how we can expedite delivery of vital solutions to meet U.S. infrastructure needs through public private partnerships at critical, challenging junctures. This mirrors Meridiam’s mission as an impact investor focused on growth through sustainability, innovation, and partnership. We praise the resilience and commitment of our construction partners led by Skanska to deliver this critical infrastructure.”

The LaGuardia Gateway Partners stated that “The new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall is a shining example of  Meridiam’s experience in funding sustainable infrastructure,” said Stewart Steeves, CEO, LaGuardia Gateway Partners “We are proud to partner with Meridiam to carry out Governor Cuomo’s vision to transform LaGuardia.”

The new Terminal B was designed to benefit the environment and includes a broad spectrum of innovative sustainability features contributing notably to energy and water savings. The new Baggage Handling Systems (BHS), which typically represent a major portion of overall energy consumptive loads at airports, was designed to reduce energy use by at least 37% in comparison to older systems. The new terminal will feature water-saving plumbing fixtures and energy saving LED lighting. Additionally, the performance of heating and cooling are fully optimized through a computer-based Building Management System. The ceiling tiles, carpets, and drywall are made from recycled content and the structural steel is made from high recycled content values. The new Terminal B parking garage includes 167 preferred parking stalls for low emission/fuel efficient vehicles, and will incorporate an expanding park of electric charging stations. Ninety-nine percent of debris from the old P2 parking garage has been recycled for use on the project.

The completion of this section of the project is a testament to the dedication of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, our private partners and project construction workers across New York State who worked tirelessly to bring the vision for this project to life.

The Arrivals and Departures Hall for the new Terminal B is an immense 850,000 square feet that includes four levels where passengers will check-in, pass through security, experience best in class shops, restaurants and services, and pick up their checked baggage. The design incorporates soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light, creating a comfortable and welcoming ambience for passengers. The top level features the main commercial district, including 17 of the hall’s 21 modern shops and restaurants.

Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines will operate all their ticket counters and bag claims from the new hall. The building connects directly to the new eastern concourse gates via a pedestrian bridge built over top of the original terminal – a truly innovative design incorporated in the new Terminal B to ensure that the original facility remained operational throughout construction.

Through LGP’s partnership with the Public Art Fund, the Arrivals and Departures Hall also features a world-class art program, underscoring New York’s reputation as a cultural leader. Expressing the essence of New York, artists Jeppe Hein, Sabine Hornig, Laura Owens and Sarah Sze each developed their work specifically for Terminal B.

LGP has also partnered with the TSA to ensure Terminal B features highly-advanced screening equipment in terms of technologically including Advanced Imaging Technology, Smart Pad System and mobile inspection tables as part of the baggage system. Other innovative technologies in the terminal include common use check-in system, dynamic signage, the terminal’s Building Management System and mobile and contactless food ordering.

Work is continuing on the final section of the new Terminal B – the western concourse – which will open its first seven (of 17) gates later in 2020.