The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is to spend more than $200 million on its four airports.
 

With the new investment, PANYNJ has spent nearly $1.5 billion so far this year on the airports, and created more than 5,100 construction jobs in the process.
 

The four commercial airports – Newark Liberty, JFK, LaGuardia and Stewart – will benefit from more than $200 million worth of infrastructure investments that are designed to reduce delays and improve the flow of flights, passengers and baggage through the gateways.
 

Primarily, Newark Liberty’s busiest runway will undergo rehabilitation work, which will include a new asphalt base on the two-mile-long airstrip and electrical system work.
 

The $42 million project also will include work on two new high-speed taxiways with new lighting and the realignment of two other taxiways to move planes more efficiently between runways and gates and reduce waits for passengers.
 

Also at Newark Liberty, PANYNJ has approved a new 25-year lease with Continental Airlines for the development and operation of a new wide-body aircraft maintenance hangar in which Continental has agreed to invest at least $25 million.
 

Elsewhere, it has committed $19.9 million to a terminal expansion at Stewart International Airport that will increase the facility’s size by more than 30,000sqft. Two of the runways at the gateway are also going to get a $2.5 million makeover as part of the investment plans.
 

Susan Baer, aviation director at PANYNJ, said: “As operator of one of the world’s busiest airport systems, we recognise the importance of continued investment to make our airports as safe, reliable and efficient as possible.
 

“Today’s announcement is a win for everyone, because it reinforces our commitment to our customers, strengthens our competitive position in the global marketplace, and puts people in this region to work.”
 

In addition, Port Authority commissioners have authorised the agency to help offset nearly $74 million worth of expenditures at John F Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports to install in-line baggage screening systems.
 

It also said that JFK will receive $64.8 million for the rehabilitation and widening of two of its taxiways.
 

David Samson, chairman of the Port Authority, added: “The investments in Newark Liberty, JFK, LaGuardia and Stewart airports will create hundreds of construction jobs and boost economic activity for decades to come.
 

“These airports serve as gateways to the region, and are critical to maintaining the region as a vibrant centre of commerce and business activity.”