The redesign of LaGuardia is part of the governor’s plan to improve the state's airports in the New York area.

As part of that plan, the governor on July 28 also announced plans to build an on-airport hotel at JFK airport in the historic TWA Flight Center, which was designed by architect Eero Saarinen.

The LEED certified hotel would include 505 guestrooms, 40,000 square feet of conference, event, and meeting space, and a 10,000 square foot observation deck.

The $265 million TWA Flight Center Hotel is being developed under a public-private partnership between MCR Development, JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and is expected to open in 2018.

The Governor also announced plans to move forward to develop a full master plan for future development at JFK, and has directed an advisory panel to report back in the next 12 months with its recommendations for an implementable master plan. Within the next 60 days, the panel will work with the Port Authority to issue an RFP to retain a master planning firm to advise the governor, the panel, and the Port Authority.

In addition, Empire State Development, a state agency, has issued new RFIs with a primary focus on enhancing the regional economic activity at both Republic airport on Long Island and Stewart International airport north of New York City. Sites have been identified for development, and Empire State Development will guide the development of the sites through a new real estate broker, Newmark Knight Grubb Frank. Both airports also will Startup New York designations that provide opportunities to new and expanding businesses to operate tax free for 10 years.