$2.7 billion terminal opens at Newark airport
A Newark Liberty International Airport terminal costing $2.7 billion welcomed its first passengers and flights, Thursday. Kevin O'Toole, chairman at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said a new terminal was necessary to replace the former terminal built almost 50 years prior. "It was totally archaic, it was in the stone age," O'Toole said. "The people of New York and New Jersey deserve a first class and world class facility like this." Terminal A will feature 33 new gates and more than 35 food and retail options, officials said. Portraits created by local artists' decorate the walls, all with the intention to represent the state of New Jersey. "Everything from the local artists, the iconic artwork, the seating in the whole room represent different colors, different parts of the state of New Jersey," Huntley A. Lawrence, COO of the Port Authority said. A water salute celebrated one of the first flights to land at the terminal. The United Airlines plane arrived from West Palm Beach, Florida. The airport held a ceremonial opening last year.
