NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and British Airways announced Tuesday the opening of a newly expanded Terminal 8, marking the completion of the first phase of the historic JFK Vision Plan which is transforming the international airport into a world-class global hub.
The privately funded $400 million expansion and modernization will see British Airways move from its former headquarters in Terminal 7 and co-locate with American Airlines in Terminal 8. The 60-year-old Terminal 7 will be demolished to free up space for a new Terminal 6 which will begin construction early next year.
“The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a brand new JFK worthy of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “I applaud American Airlines, British Airways and the Port Authority on the first of many milestones to come. We will continue our close partnership as we transform JFK into a magnificent global gateway that will help keep New York at the center of the world stage.”
Operational improvements at Terminal 8 include five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions and an expanded and improved baggage handling system that together will support additional transatlantic flights. The terminal was also expanded with approximately 130,000 square feet of additional space and refurbished.
“This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, promoting excellent hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision of a world-class airport for the 21st century is now developing from a one end of the airport to the other, the other,” said Port Authority chief executive Rick Cotton. “Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8, with five new widebody gates, offers an improved passenger experience and increased capacity for transatlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our partners in Terminal 8 it’s a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and the JFK region.”
The expansion of Terminal 8 is a key component of the JFK Vision Plan which is transforming the airport into what will be one of the best international gateways in the world with a 21st century customer experience and greater connectivity for travelers.
British Airways’ move will bring the incumbent airline 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 commercial partner, British Airways, joining American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8,” said Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines. “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 stylish lounges.”
Premium customers traveling on both airlines will now be able to enjoy a superior travel experience in Terminal 8. Upon arrival, premium customers will be welcomed into the new co-branded premium check-in area, which will provide personalized service concierge-style. Carefully designed architectural elements also define a dedicated check-in space for eligible customers.
The co-location of American Airlines and British Airways at Terminal 8 supports the Port Authority’s mission to create greater connectivity for passengers in a transformed and more unified JFK.
Terminal 8 will also undergo a major upgrade to terminal-wide concessions over the next 18 months, including locally inspired food and beverage options.
“The successful redesign and reinvention of Terminal 8 is just one of the ways we’ve made real progress in making JFK the largest airport in the world,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. With new gates, new amenities and new lounges, the upgrade to Terminal 8 has also brought new job opportunities and contracts for Queens residents and businesses. I offer my heartfelt thanks to Governor Hochul and the Port Authority, American Airlines and British Airways, the workers who completed these improvements and my co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Council, Greg Meeks and everyone else who made this project possible.”