LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private entity operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, will open the first 11 gates located in the eastern concourse of the new state-of-the-art Terminal B on December 1. The development group is comprised of Vantage Airport Group, Skanska, Meridiam and JLC Infrastructure.
Air Canada, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines will all operate flights from the new concourse, with United Airlines joining in 2019.
“The opening of the new eastern concourse at Terminal B is just the first step in our mission to provide a top-class visitor experience at LaGuardia, worthy of the greatest city in the world,” said Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “Our concourse’s innovative design, inclusive atmosphere, and choice food and retail options will bring LaGuardia into the 21st century, and we’re proud to work with both the Governor and the Port Authority to transform Terminal B into a gateway New Yorkers can be proud of.”
Designed as a common-use facility to facilitate operational efficiency, the new concourse includes spacious seating areas with charging stations throughout, soaring ceilings up to 55 feet in height and other architectural elements inspired by New York’s vibrancy and verticality. A children’s play area with interactive games, park space and a selection of New York-inspired food, beverage and retail offerings round out the experience.
New retail options available in the new concourse include the latest New York City location for the legendary New York toy store FAO Schwarz, as well as offerings from SoHo based independent bookseller McNally Jackson, Hudson, LaGuardia Dufry Duty Free Shops, M∙A∙C, District Market – with specialty Made in Queens products – and Spa Here.
Dining options include: Shake Shack, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Osteria Fusco, La Chula Bar & Taqueria, Kingside Bar & Restaurant and Five Boroughs Market.
“It is a joy to start the busy holiday travel season by providing an elevated dining experience for passengers in the new eastern concourse in Terminal B for the first time,” said Anthony Alessi, vice president of business development for HMSHost, which is opening Shake Shack, La Chula, and Osteria Fusco. “These local restaurant brands represent the best of New York and we thank LaGuardia Gateway Partners for this valuable opportunity.”
When complete, LaGuardia Gateway Partners says Terminal B will “completely redefine” the guest experience at LaGuardia. Dual pedestrian bridges will span active aircraft taxi lanes and connect the main part of the terminal to two island concourses. Passengers will 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 will increase the taxiway space for aircraft.
The 1.3-million square foot redevelopment of Terminal B, with a construction value of $4 billion, is one of the largest public-private partnerships in American history and the largest in U.S. aviation, LaGuardia Gateway Partners says. The 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.
