Jacobs has been selected to continue its pivotal role in supporting the automated people mover (APM) system at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The company recently secured a new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technical Support Services contract from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), ensuring the continued reliability of one of the busiest airport transit links in the United States.
Strategic Continuity for Newark AirTrain (2025–2029)
The newly awarded contract covers the 2025–2029 period and includes two optional one-year extensions, potentially extending Jacobs’ involvement through 2031.
Since its inception in 1996, the Newark AirTrain has become a critical piece of infrastructure, currently serving approximately 12 million passengers annually. As Newark Liberty International Airport handles record-breaking volumes—up to 49 million passengers per year—the AirTrain provides the essential “connective tissue” between:
- Airport terminals and parking facilities.
- Hotel shuttle services and rental car hubs.
- The Northeast Corridor (NEC) rail network, the busiest transportation artery in North America.
Enhancing System Reliability and Performance
Jacobs has managed O&M services for the existing AirTrain system since 2021. Under this new agreement, Jacobs will provide specialized engineering and quality inspection services to ensure the third-party O&M operator adheres to rigorous performance standards.
Key technical support areas include:
- Vehicle and Facility Overhauls: Oversight of scheduled maintenance to ensure passenger safety.
- Life-Cycle Assessments: Detailed condition reviews of critical subsystems.
- System Upgrades: Evaluating replacements for aging components to maintain efficiency.
- Performance Analysis: Data-driven insights to improve service availability and reduce downtime.
Bridging the Gap: The AirTrain Replacement Program
While maintaining current operations, Jacobs is simultaneously supporting the Newark AirTrain Replacement Program. This massive infrastructure initiative aims to replace the aging fleet with a modern, 2.5-mile automated system designed for the future of aviation travel.
With commissioning targeted for 2030, the new AirTrain will offer increased capacity and a modernized passenger experience. Jacobs is currently embedded within the PANYNJ Construction Management Division, acting as a bridge between the legacy system’s operations and the delivery of the new infrastructure.
A Leader in Aviation Infrastructure
This contract renewal reaffirms Jacobs’ position as a leader in global aviation and transport solutions. By balancing the maintenance of a legacy system with the oversight of a next-generation replacement, Jacobs ensures that EWR remains a premier gateway for international and domestic travel.
