British Airways, along with American Airlines, have left behind their legacy terminal, Terminal 7, and have moved to Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The “Oneworld Terminal”
As of 1st December 2022, British Airways and American Airlines have co-located their operations at Terminal 8 as part of a $400 million investment. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport.
The renovated Terminal 8’s operational enhancements 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.
The completion of Terminal 8 is the latest milestone in our historic efforts to build a whole new JFK worthy of New York. 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.
said Kathy Hochul, Governor, New York.
The airlines say that “this project would not have been possible without the work of more than 115 unique minority-owned business (MBE) and women-owned business (WBE) firms that were awarded contracts totaling more than $150 million”. The airlines partnered with local Queens, New York, businesses that were awarded $33 million in contracts.
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. 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.
said Rick Cotton, Executive Director, New York Port Authority.
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Terminal details
Premium passengers traveling on both airlines will be able to enjoy “an elevated travel journey” at New York JFK. Premium passengers will be greeted at the brand new co-branded premium check-in area, which will provide personalized, concierge-style service. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements also define an exclusive check-in space for eligible passengers.
Once through security, three distinctive lounges; Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich, combine the best of both brands and provide a refined, welcoming preflight experience for eligible passengers based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The two brand new lounges – Chelsea and Soho – have been designed with original high-end finishes, evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every 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 airside views while the American Airlines’ Flagship Lounge will be rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge and will feature a premium wine table, expansive seating and chef-inspired meals.
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 Dec. 1, our customers and colleagues will be able to enjoy all the benefits that Terminal 8 has to offer.
said Sean Doyle, CEO, British Airways.
We are thrilled to welcome our long-standing joint business partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8. 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.
said Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines.
More oneworld carriers joining
The co-location supports the Port Authority’s plan to transform JFK into a leading global airport. The move brings British Airways closer to its partner airlines as Terminal 8 becomes home for eight oneworld Alliance carriers. Iberia has also moved to Terminal 8 today while Japan Airlines expects to move its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023.
Featured image by British Airways and American Airlines
What do you think of British Airways and American Airlines co-locating in the renovated Terminal 8? Let me know in the comments section below.
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