The Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved the selection of Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) to operate and maintain the new $2.7-billion Terminal One, which is replacing outmoded Terminal A as part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to a world-class Newark Liberty International Airport.

The board vote authorizes MAI, beginning in 2019, to manage operations, maintenance and concessions functions in the existing Terminal A, where it also will make short-term customer enhancements until the terminal’s closure. MAI then will operate the new Terminal One as part of a 15-year agreement. MAI is a subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), which operates Munich International Airport. 

The firm’s selection, which follows a rigorous competition and review process, was based on its global presence, customer experience rating and concession management expertise. 

“Today’s action leverages MAI’s expertise to help develop a Terminal One that delivers the level of service and amenities our customers expect and deserve,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “MAI has mastered the use of industry best practices to establish premier facilities that are more efficient and customer-oriented.”

”MAI’s global position and brand quality will ensure that Terminal One becomes a world-class facility. MAI will also bring its top-of-the-class capabilities to enhancing the customer experience at Terminal A during construction of Terminal One,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford. 

MAI’s parent company has a unique full-service business model, in which the business activities and practices of the airports it manages are covered by its own departments or subsidiaries. These include airport operations, IT, engineering, real estate services, facility management, fleet management, a training academy, ground transportation services, rentals, hotels and catering, as well as retail. 

Terminal One is scheduled to be fully operational by 2022. It will feature cutting-edge digital technology, superior dining and retail options in approximately one million square feet of space and be able to accommodate 13.6 million passengers on three levels. The new terminal will have 33 common-use gates to handle larger aircraft and modernized check-in, security and baggage claim areas.

Munich International Airport ranked fourth among global airports worldwide in the most recent study by Skytrax, which conducts a comprehensive examination of more than 500 airports globally, and has been voted Europe’s best airport 10 out of the last 12 years, Over the last decade, MAI has maintained a 5-Star rating, awarded to airport managers that achieve superior customer service performance through its facilities, services, amenities and level of customer hospitality.

The Terminal One Redevelopment Program overall is expected to generate more than $4.6 billion in regional economic activity, create more than 23,000 job years and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages. The project goal is to award certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises a significant portion of sub-contract, vendor and consulting work within the project.