Amazon, N.Y. Port Authority Fail to Reach Newark Airport Deal
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Amazon.com Inc. and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey scrapped plans for a new air cargo facility at Newark Liberty International Airport, a project that local activists had criticized.
“Unfortunately, the Port Authority and Amazon have been unable to reach an agreement on final lease terms and mutually concluded that further negotiations will not resolve the outstanding issues,” Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chief Operating Officer Huntley Lawrence said in a statement.
In August 2021, Amazon’s cargo airline launched plans to spend $125 million to transform two existing buildings at the airport. The agency was set to receive $157 million in rent over a 20-year lease and an upfront payment of $150 million.
Newark and Elizabeth, N.J., residents opposed to the proposal said it would impact the surrounding communities that are already being affected by air pollution and associated health-related issues like asthma from airport and port emissions.
“The growth of air cargo and the redevelopment of airport facilities in a manner that benefits the region as well as the local community remain a top priority of the Port Authority. Moving forward, the agency will examine options and determine the best future utilization of these cargo facilities,” Lawrence said.
Amazon.com didn’t immediately respond to requests seeking comment. Amazon.com Inc. ranks No. 22 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America.
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