American and British Airways to Invest Millions in Joint Facility at JFK

This week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with American Airlines and British Always, announced plans for a $344 million expansion and remodeling of JFK T8. As part of the project, British Airways will relocate from its current home in Terminal 7, which will eventually be demolished to allow for a planned JetBlue expansion.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on Tuesday that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) T8 will get a major facelift and expansion. The project will be funded entirely by American Airlines, which currently occupies the terminal, and British Airways, which plans to move to a redeveloped T8 by 2022.

“Investing in our terminal and welcoming our partners is a win-win for both customers and team members at American and British Airways,” American Airlines President Robert Isom said in a joint statement announcing the project. “Co-locating with British Airways will allow our customers unprecedented convenience and flexibility between these two world-class cities.”

The project will add more than 70,000 square feet to the existing T8 facilities. Nearly half of that space will be used for passenger areas, including new gates and retail outlets. The existing gate areas and surrounding infrastructure are set to be entirely refurbished. According to Port Authority officials, the $344 million project is expected to be completed without the need for any public funding.

British Airways currently operates out of JFK T7, but will lose its home to a planned JetBlue expansion set to break ground in 2023. The new JetBlue facilities, which will connect to the airline’s existing T5 gates, will require the demolition of the current T7 structure

“We’re excited to announce our move to Terminal 8, alongside American Airlines, our Atlantic joint-business partner,” British Airways CEO Alex Cruz offered. “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.”