Jacobs has been selected to continue supporting the automated people mover system at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) after securing a new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technical Support Services contract from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).
The newly awarded contract covers the 2025–2029 period and includes two optional one-year extensions, potentially extending Jacobs’ involvement through 2031. The work supports the Newark AirTrain, a critical automated people mover system that has been in operation since 1996 and serves approximately 12 million passengers each year.
Newark Liberty International Airport has experienced strong growth in recent years, handling up to 49 million passengers annually. The AirTrain plays a vital role in managing this demand by providing seamless connections between airport terminals, parking areas, hotel shuttle services, rental car facilities, and the Northeast Corridor rail network, one of the busiest transportation corridors in the world.
Jacobs has provided O&M services for the existing AirTrain system since 2021, including scheduled overhauls to maintain safety, reliability, and efficiency. Under the new contract, Jacobs will deliver expert engineering and quality inspection services, ensuring that the third-party O&M operator meets performance standards and industry best practices.
Key areas of technical support include vehicle and facility overhauls, review of system upgrades and replacements, life-cycle and condition assessments of critical subsystems, and service availability and performance analysis to improve system reliability.
In parallel, Jacobs is also supporting PANYNJ on the Newark AirTrain Replacement Program, a major infrastructure initiative that will replace the existing system with a modern 2.5-mile automated train. The new AirTrain is designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes and enhance the overall airport experience, with commissioning targeted by 2030.
Beyond technical advisory services, Jacobs is embedded within PANYNJ’s Construction Management Division, where it helps oversee contractors delivering the replacement AirTrain. This dual role ensures consistent oversight and alignment between current operations and the future system.
The continued partnership highlights Jacobs’ role in supporting safe, reliable, and future-ready airport transportation systems at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
