To mark 80 years of flight to the United States, British Airways is making significant investments in its American lounges.
On July 1, the airline announced a $15 million project to redevelop its space at Newark Liberty International Airport. British Airways enlisted Morristown-based architecture and design firm Gensler to lead the overhaul in Newark’s Terminal B.
The new design takes inspiration from the “New Jersey coastline and the state’s industrial heritage, alongside British Airways’ signature style,” according to the airline.
British Airways travelers can expect to find:
A new full-service bar
Enhanced dining and food service areas
A “significantly” upgraded Concorde dining space for eligible customers
Fully refurbished bathrooms and shower facilities
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway
Gensler will use locally sourced materials, furniture as well as finishes, the airline noted. The project is expected to begin later this year, with the new lounge reopening in 2027.
British Airways’ renovated lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport will include a full-service bar. – PROVIDED BY GENSLER
“Reaching 80 years of flying to the United States is a truly proud moment for British Airways,” Sean Doyle, British Airways chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “From our very first flight between London and New York to the comprehensive network we operate today, our commitment to connecting people, cultures and commerce across the Atlantic has never been stronger.”
Fast fact
On July 1, 1946, British Overseas Airways Corp.’s first commercial landplane service arrived in New York’s LaGuardia from London.
Next year, British Airways also plans to kick off renovations in Boston and San Francisco. The airline has other projects planned for London Heathrow and additional U.S. airports in the U.S., too.
The entire Terminal B at Newark airport is set to be replaced as part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s EWR Vision Plan, unveiled in 2024. The new facility is expected to open in the mid-2030s. The facility will undergo $75 million in more immediate upgrades this year.