American
Airlines and British Airways have unveiled their new colocation
facilities at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal
8, the carriers announced on Tuesday. The airlines had announced the
project in 2019 and outlined its details in January.
BA's
move from Terminal 7 will be complete tomorrow, 1 December. In addition, Iberia also
will relocate to Terminal 8 on the same day, with Japan Airlines
planning to relocate there in May 2023.
The
approximately $400 million renovation and expansion project of Terminal
8 includes a new check-in area, three passenger lounges, five new
widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions and an expanded and
upgraded baggage handling system. In addition, the terminal has about
130,000 square feet of new space.
Premium customers on both
American and BA flights will have a new co-branded premium check-in area,
with "concierge-style services," according to the carriers. The three
lounges will be available for eligible passengers based on cabin of
travel and loyalty programme status.
American's former flagship
lounge has been rebranded as the Greenwich Lounge (pictured above) and features a
"premium wine table, expansive seating and chef-inspired meals." The two
new lounges are named Chelsea, with a circular champagne bar, fireside
lounge and showers, and Soho, with floor-to-ceiling windows for "airside
views."
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom said, “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.”