Following the 2019 announcement to redevelop and expand JFK Terminal 8, British Airways and American Airlines unveiled more details regarding the carriers’ plans to co-locate operations at the terminal by December 1st, 2022.
On Tuesday (January 25, 2022), British Airways announced, in concert with American Airlines, additional plans for enhancements at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s world-class Terminal 8. Today’s preview follows the 2019 announcement to redevelop and expand Terminal 8 with an enhanced premium guest experience. The airlines will co-locate at the terminal beginning December 1st, 2022, following a $400 million investment, bringing the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together. Jointly, the terminal investments will offer a more seamless guest experience, while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s plans to transform JFK into a leading global airport.
In Tuesday’s announcement, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, Tom Stevens, said,
“New York holds a special place in our heart as one of our most well-loved and important destinations. Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines. 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.”
American Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer, Alison Taylor, added,
“American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK. Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.”
British Airways and American Airlines were the first carriers to begin JFK redevelopment efforts, breaking ground in January 2021 for five new widebody gates, four new widebody hardstand parking positions and a new baggage handling system. The redevelopment also included new guest amenities and expanded premium offerings, including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space. When completed later this year, premium guests traveling on both airlines and other oneworld partners will have access to a reimagined journey through JFK.
Guests arriving at Terminal 8 will be greeted by a new co-branded premium check-in area, with concierge level service, replacing American’s former Flagship First Check-in position. Once through security, three distinct custom lounges will provide a refined and welcoming preflight experience for select guests, based on cabin of travel and loyalty status. The expanded lounge options will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers.
Illustrations (L to R): Expanded Joint Premium Check-In Area, Champagne Bar in American and British Airways' Most Exclusive Lounge, Curated Buffet in the Adjacent Lounge - Courtesy BA
Each of the new lounges has been designed with original high-end finishes, evoking a sense of space, while elevating the guest experience. The most exclusive lounge will feature an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge and a-la-carte dining room, reimagining American’s Flagship First Dining into a fully immersive experience. Adjacent to this lounge, another premium lounge offers sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge and buffet, offering an elevated and lively experience. Finally, American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a contiguous lounge for eligible business class guests.
As Atlantic Joint Business Partners, American Airliners and British Airways offer more flights and the most competitive schedule for customers traveling between New York and London than any other airline partnership. For summer 2022, guests of both airlines will enjoy up to 14 peak daily departures between JFK and London Heathrow Airport.
Source(s): British Airways, American Airlines