New York: American Airlines and British Airways are ready to welcome customers at the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Starting December 1, customers will enjoy an enhanced travel experience with seamless connections as the two airlines will share their operations as part of a $400 million joint investment. This marks the completion of the first phase of redevelopment of the airport by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
To celebrate the move of British Airways from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8, Port Authority CEO Rick Cotton was joined by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle, to officially introduce a redesigned check-in area, new gates and world-class lounges.
“The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build an all-new JFK worthy of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority on the first of many milestones to come. We will continue our close partnerships as we transform JFK into a magnificent global gateway that will help keep New York at the center of the world stage.”
The co-location supports the Port Authority’s plan to transform JFK into a world-leading airport. The move brings British Airways closer to its member airlines, as Terminal 8 becomes home to eight oneworld® alliance airlines. Iberia plans to move to Terminal 8 on December 1 and Japan Airlines hopes to move its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023.
“We are delighted to welcome our long-standing joint trading partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8,” said Isom. “As part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport, we are pleased to offer customers more terminal space, new check-in areas and elegant lounges.”
The American and British Airways co-location is enabled by a $400 million investment to rebuild and expand Terminal 8. Key operational improvements include five new gates, four new parking positions and an expanded baggage handling system and improved. The terminal has also been expanded with approximately 130,000 square feet of additional and renovated space.
“This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, which fosters excellent hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what is to come at JFK, where our vision of a world-class airport for the 21st century is now unfolding from a end of the airport to the other. another,” Cotton said. “Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8, with five new widebody gates, offers an enhanced passenger experience and increased capacity for transatlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners in Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and the region.”
This project would not have been possible without the work of more than 115 exclusive Minority-Owned Business (MBE) and Women-Owned Business (WBE) firms that have been awarded contracts totaling more than $150 million. American and British Airways are also proud to partner with local Queens, New York companies that received $33 million in contracts.
“We announced our joint investment in early 2019, so we are honored to reach this important milestone with our business partner, American Airlines,” Doyle said. “From December 1, our clients and colleagues will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Terminal 8 offers.”
Premium customers traveling on both airlines will be able to enjoy an elevated ride at JFK. Upon arrival, premium customers will be greeted in the new co-branded premium check-in area, which will provide personalized, concierge-style service. Carefully designed architectural elements also define a dedicated check-in space for eligible customers.
Once past the security control, three distinctive lounges; Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich combine the best of both brands, providing a refined and welcoming pre-flight experience for eligible customers based on cabin travel and loyalty program status. The two new ballrooms, Chelsea and Soho, have been designed with original, high-end finishes, evoking a unique sense of space and elevating the experience and service offered to each guest.
- The Chelsea Lounge features a stunning circular champagne bar; a relaxed yet elegant fireside lounge; luxury showers; and a dedicated space for a la carte dining.
- The elegant Soho Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic views of the open air.
- American’s Flagship® Lounge will be rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge and will feature a premium wine table, ample seating and chef-inspired dining.
The project was led by Holt Construction, one of the nation’s leading general contracting and construction management companies with more than 100 years of experience. Gensler, the world’s leading architecture and design firm, was commissioned to design the check-in area and premium lounges, and the world leader in hospitality, Sodexo Live! — through his minority-owned and operated company SodexoMagic — will offer excellent food and beverage offerings to lounge guests.
About American Airlines Group
To care for people on Life’s Journey®. American Airlines Group Inc. shares trade on Nasdaq under the symbol AAL and the company’s shares are included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and on Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
About British Airways
As a global airline and the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, British Airways has been getting its customers where they need to be for over 100 years. The airline connects Britain to the world and the world to Britain, operating one of the most extensive international scheduled air route networks together with its joint, codeshare and franchise business partners. British Airways flies to destinations in more than 65 countries. Its principal place of business is London, with its headquarters at Heathrow Terminal 5. In 2021, the airline won six Business Traveler Awards, including Best Short-Haul Airline, Best Airport Lounge, Best Frequent Flyer Program, Best Travel App, and Best New Seat. . In September 2021, British Airways launched its sustainability programme, BA Better World, pledging to put sustainability at the heart of everything it does and with a clear roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. British Airways is founding member of the airline alliance. oneworld, which serves around 1,000 destinations around the world. The latest information on the steps British Airways is taking to ensure that its customers have a safe travel experience can be found on ba.com. You can contact the British Airways UK press office at [email protected]and its US press office at [email protected] To book, visit BA.com and connect on Facebook @BritishAirways and Instagram @british_airways