b'28 EWR TERMINALSEngineering. Burns supported PGAL during the planning stages of the project, and later served as the owners representative for the Port Authority, guiding the terminals development through the concept stage and design to construction and commissioning. We were impressed with the entire team, Bosco observes. The Port Authority knew what they wanted and put the best people in a position to make it happen, and it shows when you look at the terminal.Design Inspiration Sailer says that the new Terminal A takes travelers on a journey of surprises, from the ticket counter and commercial program, to gate areas and everywhere in betweeneven the restrooms. Multimedia displays, art and architecture provide a unique experience that fully encompasses the surprises of New Jersey landmarks, people, innovations and history, she adds. The Journey of Surprises concept rose out of research that Munich Airport NJ conducted about New Jersey. It was very important for the Port Authority to make sure this is a New Jersey terminal, not another New York terminal, Sailer explains, noting that the team discovered a lot about New Jersey that even some locals didnt know. As terminal operator, Munich Airport NJ wanted to bring that same feeling of surprise to passengers. Four main principles were identified to drive the terminals Journey of Surprises: firsts, variety, community and your way. An interactive childrens play area is located at the end of the Eastern Concourse.Firsts: New Jersey is the birthplace of many inventions, including the shipping container and light bulb. These inventions and entrepreneurship make New Jersey New Jersey, Sailer remarks. One region called the Forest of Firsts celebrates the states pioneering accomplishments in science, literature, energy and film. The terminal operator also posed a related question to tenants: What firsts are you bringing to EWR? Variety: The project team worked to represent the full spectrum of New Jerseys landscape in the new terminalcoastlines, agricultural regions, diverse metropolitan areas, etc. Community: New Jersey hosts many community events, and Sailer emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community throughout the terminal. We want to create a terminal community and make sure everybody feels responsible for the terminal and part of the bigger game, she explains.Your Way: Inspired by the famous Frank Sinatra lyric, Munich Airport NJ wants the new terminal to address the specific needs of each travel group so everyone can experience the journey in their own way, travel their own way, Sailer says.Upgrades AboundIn addition to more overall square footage, Terminal A now has 60% more seating capacity. Designers also developed new layouts for check-in, TSA checkpoints and concessions to offer a more intuitive experience for travelers, notes Kovary. Curbside pick-up/drop-off areas meet the latest requirements from the Department of Homeland Security, and special gate entry deterrent systems were added for the Airport Operations Area. Advanced boarding bridge technology from TK Airport Solutions Inc. offers versatility in aircraft mix and supports common-use gate operations.May | June 2023AirportImprovement.com'