American Airlines and British Airways have unveiled the renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as the two airlines co-locate operations in a $400 million joint investment.
The refurbished terminal features a redesigned check-in area, new gates, lounges, and marks the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton was joined by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle to celebrate British Airways moving from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.
“The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a whole new JFK worthy of New York,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “I congratulate American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority for the first of what will be many milestones to come. We will continue our close partnerships as we transform JFK into a magnificent global gateway that will help to keep New York at the center of the world stage.”
The move brings British Airways closer to its partner airlines as Terminal 8 becomes home for eight oneworld Alliance carriers. Iberia is moving to Terminal 8, as well as Japan Airlines, who are expected to move its operations in May 2023.
“We are thrilled to welcome our long-standing joint business partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8,” Robert Isom commented. “As part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport, we are excited to offer customers expanded terminal space, new check-in areas and elegant lounges.”
Key enhancements to Terminal 8 include five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system. The terminal has also been expanded with approximately 130,000 square feet of additional and refurbished space.
“This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision for a world-class, 21st century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other,” Rick Cotton commented. “Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8 — with five new wide body gates — offers an improved passenger experience and expanded capacity for trans-Atlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners at Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and the region.”
According to American Airlines, 115 unique minority-owned business (MBE) and women-owned business (WBE) firms were involved in the project with contracts totalling more than $150 million.
Sean Doyle added: “We announced our joint investment early in 2019 so it is an honor to reach this significant milestone with our business partner, American Airlines. From December 1st, our customers and colleagues will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Terminal 8 has to offer.”
Premium customers will be greeted on arrival at the new co-branded premium check-in area, which will provide personalized, concierge-style service. Once through security, customers can wait for their flight in lounges Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich, depending on cabin of travel and loyalty program status.
- The Chelsea Lounge features a circular champagne bar, fireside lounge, luxury showers, and a dedicated space for la carte dining.
- The Soho Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with airside views.
- American’s Flagship Lounge is due to be rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge and will feature a premium wine table, expansive seating and chef-inspired meals.
The project was led by Holt Construction, alongside architecture and design firm Gensler, and hospitality company Sodexo Live, through its minority-owned and managed company SodexoMagic.
