American Airlines (A1G) (AAL) and British Airways have released more details about plans to co-locate operations at JFK New York’s Terminal 8 beginning December 1, 2022.
The two airlines were the first carriers to begin redevelopment efforts at JFK, breaking ground in January 2020 on five new widebody gates, four new widebody hardstand parking positions, and an enhanced baggage handling system. The improvements also included new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings, including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space.
Dec. 1 will be fun! We’ll be welcoming @British_Airways to JFK Terminal 8 while also introducing a reimagined check-in experience and new custom lounges for select American and British Airways guests. Visit the link to learn more about our plans!https://t.co/44tzGwP6aa
— americanair (@AmericanAir) January 25, 2022
Enabled by a $400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal, the move will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together.
The carriers hope that with their terminal investments and joint operations, they will be able to offer a more seamless customer experience while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s plan to transform JFK into a leading global airport.
“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 (A1G) (AAL),” Tom Stevens, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience said in a statement.
“British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until December. 1, 2022, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.”
The plans
The airlines plan to elevate the experience for premium customers traveling on both airlines and other oneworld partners. For instance, when guests 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. Eligible business customers will also be able to experience exclusive check-in procedures.
Check out plans for our new home in Terminal 8 at @JFKairport with @AmericanAir as we launch operations under one roof. These redevelopments will include new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings with three lounges. #BritishAirways pic.twitter.com/a8MQ9o9K8i
— British Airways (@British_Airways) January 25, 2022
There will be three separate lounges, with the most exclusive boasting an all-champagne bar, fireside lounge and a la carte dining room. An adjacent lounge will include airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet-style dining. American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a lounge for eligible business class customers.
image source: aa.com
American and British Airways passengers will be able to have reciprocal benefits while enjoying unprecedented flexibility and seamless connections when traveling across airlines.
Until operations are fully transitioned to Terminal 8 in December 2022, British Airways will continue to operate at JFK’s Terminal 7.