mmxbreaks

Excerpts from the BA official press release

• Preview of plans follows 2019 announcement to redevelop and expand Terminal 8
• Newly released designs showcase an enhanced premium guest experience
• American Airlines and British Airways to launch joint operations under one roof beginning December 2022

American Airlines and British Airways announced more details regarding plans to co-locate operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 beginning Dec. 1, 2022.

British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until Dec. 1, 2022, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.”

As customers arrive at Terminal 8, a co-branded premium check-in area providing personalized, concierge-style service for top-tier guests will replace American’s former Flagship First Check-In space.

Once through security, three distinctive custom lounges combining the best of both brands will provide a refined, welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The expanded premium lounge offerings will incorporate seating for approximately 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers. Each lounge has been designed with original high-end finishes — evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest.

• The most exclusive lounge will have an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge and a la carte dining room, which reimagines American’s Flagship First Dining into a fully immersive experience.
• Adjacent, another premium lounge — with sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet — will offer an elevated, lively experience.
• American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a contiguous lounge for eligible business class customers.

While disruptions to the customer journey remain limited, American’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK is expected to close beginning Feb. 1 for construction. Premium customers traveling on eligible itineraries will be directed to temporary check-in counters located nearby. All lounge spaces will remain open and operational through the duration of the redevelopment project. Following completion, the Concourse B Admirals Club will close. The Concourse C Admirals Club will continue to serve members, qualifying elite customers and those traveling on eligible itineraries.

Until operations are fully transitioned to Terminal 8 in December, British Airways will continue to provide a world-class experience for their customers at JFK’s Terminal 7.

mmxbreaks

Now then, does this mean the end of Concorde Room JFK after 1st December 2022...? :-o

geronimo

So, it's official and they've set the date. More details in the BA press release

AMERICAN AIRLINES AND BRITISH AIRWAYS UNVEIL PLANS FOR ENHANCEMENTS TO THE WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT JFK’S TERMINAL 8When complete later this year, premium customers traveling on both airlines and other oneworld partners will have access to a reimagined journey through JFK depicted by newly released artist illustrations.

As customers arrive at Terminal 8, a co-branded premium check-in area providing personalized, concierge-style service for top-tier guests will replace American’s former Flagship First Check-In space. Thoughtfully designed architectural elements will also define an exclusive new check-in space for eligible business customers.

Once through security, three distinctive custom lounges combining the best of both brands will provide a refined, welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. The expanded premium lounge offerings will incorporate seating for approximately 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers. Each lounge has been designed with original high-end finishes — evoking a unique sense of space while elevating the experience and service offered to every guest.

• The most exclusive lounge will have an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge and a la carte dining room, which reimagines American’s Flagship First Dining into a fully immersive experience.
• Adjacent, another premium lounge — with sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet — will offer an elevated, lively experience.
• American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a contiguous lounge for eligible business class customers.

While disruptions to the customer journey remain limited, American’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK is expected to close beginning Feb. 1 for construction. Premium customers traveling on eligible itineraries will be directed to temporary check-in counters located nearby. All lounge spaces will remain open and operational through the duration of the redevelopment project. Following completion, the Concourse B Admirals Club will close. The Concourse C Admirals Club will continue to serve members, qualifying elite customers and those traveling on eligible itineraries.

revorgap

Some images from the press release

Check-in


Premium Lounge


Most exclusive lounge


Expanded terminal/new gates

Pilot37

Images already uploaded

One thing which I won't miss from T7 is arriving close to the stand and then having to be towed to the gate, but I think the CCR will be a big loss at JFK.

Link to the Press Release:

Newsroom - American Airlines and British Airways Unveil Exciting Plans for Enhancements to the World-Class Customer Experience at JFK’s Terminal 8 - American Airlines Group, Inc. (aa.com)

Pilot37

mmxbreaks

Looks a bit like a section of Cathay F HKG

mmxbreaks

^ but this is still my biggest question, as otherwise that'd be a big devaluation of JFK departures IMO

DoctorCopper

...and like the bar in the BA First Class lounge that was in T1.

Doc Copper

xenole

I assume Flagship dining will be shared between BA and AA first etc.

zen100

I would imagine that the "most exclusive lounge" will be a merger of the BA CCR and AA FFD, so only for those flying First plus GGL/CK.

If so, is the "another premium lounge" akin to the AA Flagship Lounge + BA First - Silvers/Business have access to AA FF, but not BA First.

Pilot37

Twitter reporting no specific BA lounge at T7, so no CCR!

Pilot37

krispy84

Hardly surprising given AA and BA are co-locating ……..

xenole

Where is this new CCR / F lounge supposed to be going? Where the lounge is on the opposite side of the reception desks to the Flagship lounge?

So things will be like CCR, GF and GC - bit of a walk if the GC type lounge is at the B gates.

Genius1

My understanding is the ‘most exclusive lounge’ will be the equivalent of the CCR, the ‘premium lounge’ will be the equivalent of the First lounge, and the ‘contiguous lounge’ will be the equivalent of the Club lounge.

There will still be three classes of lounge, albeit shared by AA equivalents.

Cw novice

Whilst the lounge situation will undoubtedly be a pain to those travelling in first. This will have benefits in terms of ease of connections especially for TP Runs. Also easier in terms of IRROPS with more replacements available.

I wonder if the next announcement will be that this will be reciprocated in T5 along with have the Customs/Immigration Pre Clearance done there. That would be a massive bonus for going to the states

It could also mean more BA European flights going from T3........ (Thinks wistfully about the CX Lounge)