The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with American Airlines, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, and Holt Construction, have begun the transformational commercial redevelopment program at JFK Airport’s Terminal 8. A seasonal artist showcase within the terminal, ‘A Traveling Dream’, has also debuted as a celebration of the depth and vibrancy of the airport’s host community, Jamaica, and greater Queens through local art.
“A reimagined commercial program paired with inspiring public art will elevate the passenger experience at Terminal 8, as part of our $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Across JFK, we are focused on creating a sense of place unique to New York with locally-owned concessions operating alongside national brands and public art that reflects the culture and traditions of the communities around the airport.”
The $125 million commercial redevelopment program by JFK T8 Innovation Partners, a joint venture led by URW and equity partner, Phoenix Infrastructure Group, a minority-owned business enterprise (MBE)-certified investment firm, will transform the customer experience at the terminal with a complete redesign and expansion of the concessions program, including new dining, retail, duty free shopping, performance space, and new digitally enabled experiences for customers of American and its partner airlines.
“This significant investment in creating world-class and locally inspired dining and retail at Terminal 8 is essential to our successful effort to raise the bar for passenger service at JFK,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The commercial redevelopment and commitment to public art at Terminal 8 is a critical step toward achieving the Port Authority’s vision for a new JFK Airport that will once again be ranked as one of the best airports in the world.”
The commercial redevelopment follows the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8. Completed in November 2022, the expansion and modernisation of Terminal 8 is a component of the Port Authority’s $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, which prioritises world-class dining and retail alongside inspiring public art in every new or modernised terminal.
“Beginning the construction of our expanded concessions is an exciting step to continue enhancing the customer experience at Terminal 8,” said Amanda Zhang, Vice President of Airport Affairs and Facilities, American Airlines. “The unique showcase is an excellent way to celebrate the critical partnership and contributions of our local and minority owned business enterprise partners. On behalf of American, thank you to the many artists who curated this exhibit for our customers to enjoy during the busy summer travel season.”
Hear more about JFK Airport at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024, co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. Simon Gandy, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, The New Terminal One at JFK, is speaking in the ‘Future Airports’ conference track, with a Special Presentation titled ‘Upon opening in 2026, new Terminal 1 at JFK is expected to offer travellers “a world-class experience” that will revolutionise the standard of travel for both visitors and New York residents, but how exactly will that be achieved?’