Plans for Newark Liberty International Airport’s new terminal advance, as the Port Authority approved vendors for the design and construction of the new facility.

As planned, the 1,000,000-square-foot, 33-gate domestic terminal improves passenger experience and efficiency, with flexibility to grow in coming years as needed. Additional parking for 3,000 vehicles is also planned.

“There has been a continuous surge in the number of passengers at Newark Liberty, which last year welcomed more than 40 million of them,” said Kevin O’Toole, chairman, Port Authority. “This board action advances our commitment to address the growing needs of our travelers, which cannot be adequately met by the current Terminal A.”

“Nearly $12 billion in our current 10-year capital plan is committed to modernizing our airports,” said Jeffrey Lynford, board vice-chairman, Port Authority. “…We move toward the next phase of the Terminal One redevelopment project to deliver a world-class terminal with 21st-century passenger amenities.”

Approximately $1.85 billion in construction and expenditures was approved for the new terminal building, resulting in a total project cost of $2.7 billion.

The redevelopment is expected to generate $4.6 billion in regional economic activity; create 23,120 jobs; and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages.

The terminal is scheduled to open 2021, operating fully by 2022.