New York JFK International airport will start work this September on a major expansion project of Delta Air Lines' JFK hub, Terminal 4.
The $1.2 billion project will create a "state of the art" terminal, according to Richard Anderson, Delta's CEO.
He said: "The newly expanded and enhanced Terminal 4, one of many substantial investments we're making in New York, will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees and the city of New York for decades to come."
The project includes expansion of Concourse B at Terminal 4, with nine new international gates, as well as construction of a passenger connector between Terminal 2 and 4.
Terminal 4 will also see expanded areas for baggage claim and Customs and Border Protection.
Delta will move its Terminal 3 international operations to Terminal 4, when the work is completed in May 2013. It will continue to operate domestic flights out of Terminal 2.
In May 2015, Terminal 3 will be demolished. The space will be used for aircraft parking.
New York Governor David Paterson said the enhanced terminal would be "world class".
He said the expanded Terminal 4 would "help increase customer service for thousands of travelers and bring much-needed renovations and upgrades to handle the demands of 21st century air travel".
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "Ensuring reliable air transportation to and from New York City is crucial to strengthening our economy."
Some 11 million Delta passengers fly through JFK each year.
www.delta.com www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html