American Airlines and British Airways are ready to welcome customers to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s newly renovated Terminal 8(JFK).
Customers will benefit from an improved travel experience with seamless connections beginning December 1 as the two airlines co-locate operations as part of a $400 million joint investment. The first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s airport redevelopment is now complete.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton joined American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle to officially unveil a redesigned check-in area, new gates, and world-class lounges to commemorate British Airways’ transition from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.
“Terminal 8’s completion is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a brand-new JFK worthy of New York. I commend American Airlines, British Airways, and the Port Authority on reaching the first of many future milestones. As we make JFK into a magnificent international gateway that will help keep New York at the centre of the global stage, we’ll keep working closely together.”
According to Governor Kathy Hochul
The co-location aids in the Port Authority’s goal of making JFK a premier international airport. British Airways will be closer to its partner airlines as eight oneworld Alliance carriers will now call Terminal 8 home. Japan Airlines anticipates moving its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023, and Iberia plans to move into Terminal 8 on December 1.
As British Airways joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8, we are delighted to welcome this long-time business partner, Isom said.
“We are thrilled to offer customers expanded terminal space, new check-in areas, and elegant lounges as part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport.”
American and British Airways’ co-location is made possible by a $400 million investment to renovate and expand Terminal 8. Five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking spaces, and an expanded and improved baggage handling system are among the major operational improvements. Additionally, the terminal has been renovated and expanded with an additional 130,000 square feet of space.
A world-class, 21st-century airport is now taking shape at JFK, where Cotton said, “Our vision for a world-class, 21st-century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other. This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8 is fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London. With five new wide body gates, Terminal 8 now offers an improved passenger experience and increased capacity for transatlantic travel to and from JFK thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways. Our private partners’ investment in Terminal 8 is a sign of their faith in the future of the airport and the area.”
Without the efforts of more than 115 different minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MBEs and WBEs), who were given contracts worth more than $150 million, this project would not have been possible. Additionally, American and British Airways are pleased to collaborate with regional Queens, New York companies that received $33 million in contracts.
It is an honour to reach this important milestone with our business partner, American Airlines, Doyle said.
“We announced our joint investment early in 2019. Starting on December 1, our clients and employees will have access to all the advantages that Terminal 8 has to offer.”
Premium passengers on both airlines will have a more luxurious airport experience at JFK. At the brand-new co-branded premium check-in area, which will offer individualised, concierge-style service, premium customers will be welcomed when they arrive. An exclusive check-in area for qualified customers is also defined by thoughtfully designed architectural components.
Once through security, three distinct lounges—Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich—combine the best of both brands and offer eligible customers—based on cabin of travel and loyalty programme status—a refined, welcoming preflight experience. The two brand-new lounges, Chelsea and Soho, were created with unique high-end finishes to evoke a special sense of space while enhancing the experience and service provided to each guest.
- In addition to a stunning circular champagne bar, the Chelsea Lounge also has a cosy yet elegant fireside lounge, opulent showers, and a separate area for à la carte dining.
- Floor to ceiling windows in the opulent Soho Lounge provide stunning airside views.
- The Greenwich Lounge, formerly known as American’s Flagship® Lounge, will have a premium wine table, roomy seating, and chef-inspired meals.
One of the top construction management and general contracting companies in the nation with more than 100 years of experience, Holt Construction, was in charge of the project. The premium check-in area and lounges were designed by Gensler, the top architecture and design firm in the world. Global hospitality leader Sodexo Live! will provide outstanding food and drink options to lounge visitors through its committed minority-owned and managed company SodexoMagic.
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