British Airways has announced it will move to John F Kennedy airport’s Terminal 8 in 2022 following an investment alongside partner American Airlines.
The airlines’ cash injection is part of a significant reinvestment by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in JFK’s facilities.
Over the next four years, more than £250 million will be used to “recreate and customise” the terminal, according to BA. Changes will include additional aircraft stands, enhanced baggage systems, new lounges, premium check-in areas and upgraded concessions.
BA will remain at its current location in Terminal 7 until the work on Terminal 8 is complete.
A £52 million investment from the airline at JKF includes new lounges for First and Club World customers and upgrades to all areas of the building.
These projects are all part of a wider five-year, £6.5 billion investment by BA in its customer experience, including new aircraft, cabins, lounges and routes, as well as on-board wifi.
CEO and chairman Alex Cruz said: “We’re excited to announce our move to terminal 8, alongside American Airlines, our Atlantic joint business partner. Offering the best customer experience at JFK now and in the future is a top priority. We look forward to working with the Port Authority and American Airlines to continue building a world-class transatlantic travel experience in our new home from 2022.”
The news comes after the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey unveiled real-time tracking of security and taxi wait times available online for passengers travelling to and from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and New York Stewart airports.
The Port Authority has installed BlipTrack, which tracks and displays wait times at TSA checkpoint screening areas and taxi stands. In addition to providing better information to passengers, the move is designed to help the airports develop strategies and target resources to reduce wait times.
ba.com