British Airways and American Airlines have revealed more details regarding plans to co-locate operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 starting 1st December 2022.
Enabled by a $400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal, the move will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together. Jointly, the terminal investments and co-location will offer a more “seamless” customer experience while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ambitious plan to transform JFK airport into a leading global airport.
American and British Airways were the first carriers to begin redevelopment efforts at JFK, breaking ground in January 2020 on 5 new widebody gates, 4 new widebody hardstand parking positions, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings – including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space.
Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines, said:
American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK. Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.
Tom Stevens, Director of Brand and Customer Experience, British Airways, said:
New York holds a special place in our heart as one of our most well-loved and important destinations. Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines. British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until Dec. 1, 2022, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.
Related: American Airlines to open a new Admirals Club in Austin
When complete later this year, premium customers traveling on both airlines and other oneworld partners will have access to a reimagined journey through JFK depicted by newly released artist illustrations.
As customers arrive at Terminal 8, a co-branded premium check-in area providing personalized, concierge-style service for top-tier guests will replace American’s former Flagship First Check-In space. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements will also define an exclusive new check-in space for eligible business customers.
Once through security, 3 distinctive custom lounges combining the best of both brands will provide a refined, welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The expanded premium lounge offerings will incorporate seating for approximately 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers. Each lounge has been designed with original high-end finishes – evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest.
- The most exclusive lounge will have an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge and a la carte dining room, which reimagines American’s Flagship First Dining into a fully immersive experience.
- Adjacent, another premium lounge – with sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet – will offer an elevated, lively experience.
- American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a contiguous lounge for eligible business class customers.
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American’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK is expected to close on 1st February 2022 for construction. Premium customers traveling on eligible itineraries will be directed to temporary check-in counters located nearby. All lounge spaces will remain open and operational through the duration of the redevelopment project. Following completion, the Concourse B Admirals Club will close. The Concourse C Admirals Club will continue to serve members, qualifying elite customers and those traveling on eligible itineraries.
Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said:
John F. Kennedy International Airport continues to move toward the creation of a unified, world-class airport, and the transformation will begin with Terminal 8. The partnership between British Airways and American Airlines will provide customers with more seamless connections, new, larger light-filled concourses and top-tier amenities. The Port Authority applauds these efforts and looks forward to seeing the new transformed Terminal 8.
Both the airlines state that as Atlantic Joint Business partners, they offer the most flights and the most competitive schedule for customers traveling between New York and London compared to any other partnership – with up to 14 peak daily departures scheduled to operate between New York JFK and London Heathrow Airport this summer.
Note that until operations are fully transitioned to Terminal 8 in December, British Airways will continue to operate from New York JFK’s Terminal 7.
Meanwhile, British Airways CityFlyer recently announced four new European routes for Summer 2022.
Featured image by American Airlines
All the other images by American Airlines
What do you think of British Airways’ and American’s plans for co-locating operations at New York JFK’s Terminal 8? Let me know in the comments section below.
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