Newark Airport’s Terminal C to get 55 new dining options in 120M makeover

United Airlines is planning a $120 million transformation of Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport under a new contract with OTG Management LLC.In an announcement Monday, the airline and the New York-based operator said they will overhaul the dining, retail and waiting areas of the terminal in an expansive project that’s estimated to begin in November and take about18 months. That includes additions such as more than 55 new dining venues and some 6,000 iPads, which will allow travelers to track their flight and order food directly to their seat while browsing the Internet.

United, New Jersey’s largest airline, is transitioning from its existing vendor, HMSHost. As part of the change, HMSHost last week issued federally mandated notices to 108 employees warning them of potential layoffs.

But Sean Aziz, a spokesman for OTG, said, “All existing employees will be offered a position; there will be no layoffs and we anticipate hiring additional crewmembers.”

Aziz added that OTG anticipates creating 100 or more jobs as a result of the changes.

He declined to disclose terms of the contract with United, but Monday’s announcement said OTG will provide the $120 capital investment. The project will bring “chef-driven restaurants, expansive food halls, gourmet markets and world-class retail and duty-free shops” that will serve nearly 60 gate areas.

“Our goal in partnering with United at Newark Liberty is to put the customer first by creating an environment that is inviting and engaging,” Rick Blatstein, CEO of OTG, said in a prepared statement. “Ultimately, the time spent inside of an airport is very much a part of the journey, and our team envisioned an experience that would appeal to all customers and complement the United brand from terminal to aircraft.”

In addition to the iPad stations, the redesigned terminal seating areas will include more than 10,000 outlets and USB interfaces, the news release said.

ALSO ON NJBIZ:

Completion date of Bayonne Bridge project moved back

College rankings: When it comes to bang for your buck, this survey says Newark is the place to be in New Jersey

On the rise: Tech firms gobbling up real estate