New York City - Yet another JFK transit question [YYZ-JFK-HEL AA to AY Terminal 8]

I have a choice between two rather unappealing transit options: The first an almost impossible transit at LHR; The second option, a possibly tight connection through JFK – 2 hours 10 minutes.

I'll be traveling on AA & Finn Air with the following routing YYZ-JFK-HEL (single ticket). It's my understanding that both arriving and departing flights are through Terminal 8, it's also my understanding that there is no airside transit at JFK (with certain exceptions).

However, since I'm departing from YYZ, I will have already cleared US customs in Toronto. In this situation will I simply be able to stay airside at Terminal 8 and proceed to my onward departure gate? Or will I have exit arrivals and go through departures procedures before catching my onward flight to HEL?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

If AA can check your bags through to HEL from YYZ, and print your AY boarding pass at YYZ as well, I see no reason why you would have to go landside at JFK.

However, since I'm departing from YYZ, I will have already cleared US customs in Toronto. In this situation will I simply be able to stay airside at Terminal 8 and proceed to my onward departure gate? Or will I have exit arrivals and go through departures procedures before catching my onward flight to HEL?

Since you will have cleared customs, you'll be able to stay airside.

The lack of airside transit is not a problem unique to JFK Terminal 8. It's an artifact of US CBP regulations throughout the US.

Bags will be transferred and no customs in us.
As long as flight not delayed you have no problems.

It's my understanding that both arriving and departing flights are through Terminal 8, it's also my understanding that there is no airside transit at JFK (with certain exceptions).If you are definite that the departing flight will be from the same terminal in which you arrive (Terminal 8), 2 hours should be more than enough connection time unless there are weather or mechanical issues that delay your flight.

Thanks to all who replied.