Delta Air Lines and OTG reveal New York-themed dining offer at transformed LaGuardia Terminal C

USA. The new Delta Air Lines-dedicated Terminal C at New York LaGuardia Airport has officially opened, featuring a strong locally-themed dining offer developed by OTG Management. The terminal opens to travellers on 4 June.

Governor Kathy Hochul, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian and OTG CEO Rick Blatstein formally announced the opening, which marks the substantial completion of the US$8 billion upgrade of LaGuardia Airport, six years after construction began. It follows the full opening of Terminal B earlier this year.

OTG said its aim was to deliver an immersive, high-tech experience that highlights local cuisine and embodies the diversity of New York City

At a cost of US$4 billion – including a US$500 million investment by the Port Authority for new roadways and supporting infrastructure – Terminal C represents Delta’s largest ever investment in an airport facility.

At 1.3 million square feet, the new terminal is +85% larger than the two Delta terminals it is replacing. It consolidates access to 37 gates through a single arrivals and departures hall. The facility includes +80% more concession space than Delta’s former terminals, with 95% of those new concessions located after security.

Governor Kathy Hochul announces the opening of the new Terminal C; click above for video highlights from the ceremony

Local favourites in partnership with OTG include Bubby’s, Sunday Supper Trattoria, Chuko Ramen and Starbucks.

Stellar Partners is opening speciality retail stores Buzzfeed News, Beekman 1802, MAC, Le Labo, Briggs & Riley, Patricia Nash and True to New York. Terminal C will also be home to the newest and largest Delta Sky Club in the system, across over 34,000sq ft when complete, with seating for nearly 600 guests.

Throughout the terminal, floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the space is filled with natural light by day.

Technological features include a hands-free bag drop and Digital ID screening capabilities. A kerbside check-in building will allow passengers who are already checked-in to get to the security screening area more quickly. Dynamic signage in the TSA queue will display passenger wait times and will allow queuing zones to be adjusted based on passenger demand.

Six public art works curated by the Queens Museum reflects the cultural diversity of Queens. These are the creations of artists Mariam Ghani, Rashid Johnson, Aliza Nisenbaum, Virginia Overton, Ronny Quevedo and Fred Wilson.

Works include sculptures and painted ceramic murals that span the building’s multi-floor light-filled entry space, as well as baggage claim and other areas throughout the terminal. Each art work aims to tell a compelling story about the city’s immigrant history, its people and the importance of celebrating diversity throughout the region.

OTG CEO Rick Blatstein meets Governor Hochul (left) at the official opening and walks the terminal with Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian (right)

“A world-class destination”

“The transformation of a LaGuardia Airport into a world-class destination that is internationally recognised for its beauty is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The opening of Delta’s US$4 billion Terminal C will help provide a state-of-the-art passenger experience, easing connections and creating lasting impressions. Congratulations to all who made today’s milestone possible as we finish creating a whole new LaGuardia Airport worthy of New York.”

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said: “In a word, the new Terminal C is magnificent, an architectural gem that dwarfs the facilities it replaces in size, style and functionality. It represents 21st century air travel that is world class in every respect – which can now be said of the entire whole new LaGuardia Airport, which six years ago was among the most reviled in the nation. Today proves what our region can accomplish when we really put our collective will behind such an ambitious goal.”

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “Today marks a new beginning for Delta customers and employees at our LaGuardia hub with the opening of this remarkable new terminal. It’s been more than a decade since Delta committed to growing – and winning – in New York, and we’ve been unwavering in our efforts to become New York City’s number one airline.

“It is thanks to the 10,000 New York-based Delta people that we have been able to invest nearly US$7 billion in New York airports since 2010, deliver the products and experiences our New York customers deserve, and become part of the fabric of the New York community that means so much to so many of us.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said: “The Port Authority remains wholly committed to improving its customer experience and its facilities across the region, and here at LaGuardia Airport we are seeing this take shape in a truly remarkable and inspiring fashion.

“The design of Delta’s new Terminal C creates a bright, welcoming environment for travellers, airline and airport employees. The entire LaGuardia team worked tirelessly toward building a world-class airport, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

More visuals of the OTG concepts at the ambitiously designed new terminal

OTG Management CEO Rick Blatstein said: “We’re beyond excited to partner with Delta on the long-anticipated opening of the new Terminal C. Delta continues to deliver top-tier service that is entirely focused on the customer experience and OTG also stands by those values.

“It was important for us to work with Delta to secure local partners for this terminal including collaborating with New York illustrator John P. Dessereau to drawing inspiration from Italian neighborhoods such New York City’s Arthur Avenue in The Bronx.

“We’re also proud to be serving Orwashers Artisanal Buns, Pat LaFrieda Meats, Queen’s-based Hella Cocktail Co, Butcher Girls Hot Dogs, LIC Beer Project and produce from the Hudson Valley at our local restaurants such as Bubby’s, Chuko Ramen and more.

“Our goal is to bring guests an immersive and high-tech experience that really highlights authentic cuisine from local restaurants that truly embody the diversity of New York. With our latest technology, customers will have more flexibility over their airport experience by ordering what they want, from where they want, right from their mobile device.”

OTG’s concepts and product strategy

Delta & OTG have teamed up to bring guests an immersive, high-tech experience in Delta’s new LaGuardia Concourse E. Sourcing locally was a key feature of the new concepts for the terminal. The partners will serve Orwashers Artisanal Buns, Pat LaFrieda Meats and produce from Little Leaf Farms at the restaurants and also drew inspiration from Italian neighborhoods such New York City’s Arthur Avenue in The Bronx. To enhance the experience, OTG’s innovative tech solution floXgen is designed to make the customer experience easy to use for ordering.

Bubby’s

New York City’s “cozy, boozy restaurant and pie shop”, Bubby’s was opened by Chef & Owner Ron Silver on Thanksgiving Day 1990. Menu items include crispy fried chicken, traditional pancakes, pies and homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Sunday Supper

The concept focuses on traditional Italian-American staples focused on “approachable, authentic home cooking at its best”, said the partners.

Poppy’s Bagels to Chuko Ramen

The fast-casual Poppy’s Bagels is Chuko Ramen’s breakfast concept and offers fresh baked New York style bagels & homemade spreads made with simple, fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chuko is Brooklyn’s first artisanal ramen shop, opened in late Summer 2011 by owners Jamison Blankenship and David Koon.

Eggy Weggy to Essex Burger

The concept Eggy Weggy is Essex Burger’s breakfast concept and offers a variety of classic breakfast sandwiches along with a build-your-own option. Essex Burger’s menu is chef-driven and features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report has recently relaunched its FAB Newsletter. This regular newsletter features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

FAB SUPERSTARS & ESG AWARDS

The Moodie Davitt Report is inviting submissions for the FAB Superstars Awards 2022.

This second virtual edition of the awards will again shine the spotlight on the thousands of front-of-house and behind the scenes heroes and heroines who have helped keep the food & beverage community within our industry going throughout the challenges of the last year.

In addition, this year’s awards include an important new category, the FAB ESG Awards, which have been introduced to celebrate, recognise and reward those people and initiatives that have made a positive impact in the areas of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

The FAB ESG & Superstars Awards will be presented on Tuesday 13 September to conclude the two-day Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference 2022.

 

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