Newark Liberty International Airport will receive a US$2,7bn (R37,5bn) terminal upgrade.
Terminal One will replace Terminal A by 2022 with 33 common-use gates and modernised check-in, security and baggage claim areas.
The work is being carried out by Munich Airport International, who will oversee operations, maintenance and concession functions.
United Airlines, which will launch direct flights to Cape Town in December, has said that there should be minimal disruption during the movement from Terminal A to the new Terminal One.
