The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and American Express announced plans today to expand the Centurion Lounge network with its first location at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). At 18,000 square feet, the new Centurion Lounge will include an indoor terrace overlooking the airfield with views of the Manhattan skyline and a cocktail bar and piano lounge celebrating New Jersey’s rich jazz history. It will also feature signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including a menu inspired by local cuisine, ample seating areas, dedicated workstations, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The new lounge, located in the Newark Liberty’s new Terminal A, is scheduled to open in 2026. American Express is the first credit card issuer to announce plans to open a proprietary lounge at EWR.
“The new Terminal A is the first step in a renaissance for Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The addition of the Centurion Lounge, with its stunning architecture, incredible amenities and a celebration of New Jersey’s rich history throughout will be a fitting capstone to an already world-class facility.”
“The Port Authority is committed to elevating the travel experience for the nearly 14 million passengers expected to use the new Terminal A this year,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “When this new lounge opens, it will become part of the world class amenities available to travelers in the stunning new Terminal A at Newark Liberty airport.”
“The Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is a strong addition to our global network giving eligible card members a taste of New Jersey’s local culture,” said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel. “From the design to the food and beverage menu, our new lounge is inspired by New Jersey’s history and features upscale amenities that our card members love.”
The new Centurion Lounge will feature locally inspired design and amenities including:
- Terrace with city skyline views: A 1,400-square-foot indoor terrace overlooking Newark Liberty International Airport’s airfield and a view of Manhattan.
- Jazz bar and piano lounge: Jazz has played a vibrant role in New Jersey’s cultural landscape for decades, making the state a vibrant home for jazz enthusiasts past and present. To celebrate that history, guests will enjoy a cocktail bar inspired by the 20th century jazz era in New Jersey and a piano lounge featuring live music.
- Archival collection: A quiet reprieve featuring artifacts and antiques that celebrate New Jersey’s rich culture and history of innovation.
In addition to special local touches, the new lounge will be home to signature amenities including a space designed for families with small children, complimentary food and beverage offerings that will feature a locally inspired menu and signature cocktails, premium restrooms and shower suites, dedicated workstations, ample seating areas and access to high-speed Wi-Fi.
ABOUT NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT
The Port Authority has embarked on a complete redevelopment of Newark Liberty International that began with the first phase opening of Terminal A – the centerpiece of an airport-wide renaissance designed to establish the airport as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region.The agency’s EWR Vision Plan — which serves as a framework for future development through 2065 – will provide for long-term economic growth, incorporate sustainability projects in every element of the development plan and provide multimodal access to the airport for both work and travel.
Earlier this year, the Port Authority Board of Commissioners also authorized $12 million for the planning and preliminary design of the EWR station access project, which is expected to increase public transit access for the South Ward neighborhood to Newark Liberty International Airport and New York City for the underserved communities in Newark and Elizabeth, including a one-seat ride to New York Penn Station’s Moynihan Train Hall and on Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT’s (NJT) direct Northeast Corridor services. The authorization is for planning and preliminary design work for a new multimodal facility at the AirTrain Newark Rail Link station serving EWR. The project will leverage existing transportation assets, including Amtrak, NJT and AirTrain Newark rail service, in a cost-effective way to improve access, mobility and regional connectivity for the neighboring airport communities of Newark and Elizabeth.
