American Airlines and British Airways have kicked off the work to transform New York JFK Terminal 8, with the start of the work the engineering commencing.
In the end, it will look a little like this:
The New and Improved Terminal 8 – Rendering, American Airlines.
The work will allow British Airways to move from its current home of Terminal 7 to Terminal 8.
For those looking at changes, there’s a fair few – the first being over 70,000 square feet of space dedicated to customer and operational spaces which will be created by the works
There will also be five more wide-body capable gates with four adjacent wide-body hard stands (or ramp parking where customers are transported to/from the terminal via bus).
The terminal will feature enhanced baggage systems, new lounges, premium check-in space and upgraded concessions and retail options. Which is exactly what you want when rushing or waiting for your next flight (be it US Domestic or Long-Haul).
Your new retail options – Image, American Airlines.
Of course, this will allow customers to connect directly to American Airlines and British Airways flights to London – of which both run a combined frequency of 14 daily flights that will run from the same terminal (as opposed to shuttling between Terminal 7 and 8 – a sometimes unwelcome experience).
Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
In quotes
With a major change like this, it’s quote city. Let’s start with Robert Isom, President of American Airlines – stating:
“Our investment will put the 14 daily flights from JFK to London that we offer in partnership with British Airways in the same terminal and give customers premium check-in space, new joint lounges and a larger variety of retail and dining options,”
“We will be adding more than 70,000 square feet to customer and operational spaces to create a truly world-class experience at JFK.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said
“As we progress with the JFK modernization project, we are giving Terminal 8 a new look and layout in line with the modern, world-class standards that will define the airport’s ultimate transformation,”
“When this work is completed, Terminal 8 will accommodate more passengers who will be able to enjoy a better travel experience and will make the work of airport staff more efficient and more seamless.”
British Airways’ Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz said.
“This is an exciting development in our move to Terminal 8, alongside American Airlines, our Atlantic joint-business partner,” We are one step closer to offering an even better customer experience for passengers traveling to, from and through JFK. “
“We look forward to our continued work with the Port Authority and American Airlines in order to build a world-class transatlantic travel experience.”
Developing a future at JFK
New York-JFK is an important entry point to the United States of America and with the two airlines 14 flights a day between London and New York, it’s a core part of the airline route alone – that’s before Delta Air Lines/Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian Air Shuttle who also operate from London.
Combined with other works at JFK to modernise the airport, with new 23-gate structure replacing terminals 1 and 2 (connecting to Terminal 4), whilst Terminal 5 will expand further out.
Whilst the addition of wide-body hard stands is disappointing (and it’s comparatively rare to use a hard stand at major airports in the USA for wide-body flights), it seems its a case of “it’s better than nothing” for expansion. Indeed, JFK T4 uses hard stands currently, which are used regularly to handle departures and arrivals.
The only other downside is that the plan will combine two lots of customers together – which at some points of the days could lead to congestion (if you’ve ever flown out of Terminal 8, I suspect you’d remember the long queues to clear security when there are three security lanes open in the morning peak)
But at least it’s a future and a plan. Which will take a few years to turn into a reality.
Let’s hope it’s back up with passenger experience improvements all around, otherwise, it could be a pretty building… to avoid.
Editors note: I’m running slightly behind on posts due to flu. This is one I wrote… but I never had time to hit Post. It’s still relevant though as redevelopment begins of JFK. Although the one thing I would like is missing from the redevelopment – an Airside connector.
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