We get it, club lounges at airports are where you go before you go somewhere else. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the area you’re in.
United Airlines certainly felt that way when it recently opened it United Club lounge in the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.
In keeping with Port Authority’s vision for a transformative customer experience offering a distinctive New Jersey sense of place in Terminal A, the club not only provides impressive views but also touts locally sourced furniture and décor.
The lounge features hand-crafted artwork from local artists, including a feature mural from Newark-based artist Antoinette Ellis-Williams, known for her use of layering through mixed media and abstract collaging. Additional local artwork includes paintings, photographs, and prints from an array of regional artists.
In addition to its modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology, the United Club location in Newark also features a wellness room to provide a space of comfort.
It’s all part of the first of four airport lounges scheduled to open in the newly opened $2.7 billion, state-of-the-art terminal. (The American Airlines Admirals Club, the American Express Centurion Lounge and the Delta Air Lines Sky Club – are expected to open later this year.)
United feels its 15,000-square-foot space matches the vision of the terminal.
Located near gate A27, it features a modern, locally inspired design and upgraded amenities, as well as ample space with more than 300 seats, plenty of recliners, couches and chairs across spaces for lounging, working, dining and socializing.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole applauded the opening – and what it represents.
“The opening of United’s lounge is the first milestone in the second phase opening of the new Terminal A,” he said. “Expected to be completed later this year, we will be unveiling three more club lounges and 12 additional gates for a total of 33 gates with even more retail stores and restaurants.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton agreed.
“Newark Liberty continues to move forward in its transformation into a world-class airport,” he said. “United’s lounge is the first in a remarkable array of new world-class amenities that will be part of the full opening of Terminal A that will occur over this summer and early fall.”
Michael Kunz, CEO of Munich Airport NJ LLC, the terminal operator of Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A, may be happiest of all.
“The United Club provides an enhanced passenger experience. Its staff, facility, artwork, and amenities are a great compliment to our new terminal,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with United Airlines and the United Club to provide a world-class travel experience to passengers traveling through Terminal A.”
