BA and American Airlines to co-locate at enhanced JFK T8
Above:
JFK Terminal 8 exterior rendering.
Courtesy British Airways
Enabled by a $400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal, the move will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together. Jointly, the terminal investments and co-location will offer a more seamless customer experience while supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ambitious plan to transform JFK into a leading global airport.
“American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor. “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.”
American and British Airways 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, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings — including approximately 130,000 square feet of new and renovated terminal space.
Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience 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 US, Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines.
British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until 1st December 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 personalised, concierge-style service for top-tier guests will replace American’s former Flagship First Check-In space, together with an exclusive new check-in space for eligible business customers.
Once through security, three distinctive custom lounges will provide a welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty programme status. The expanded premium lounge offerings will incorporate seating for approximately 1,000 of American and British Airways’ most loyal customers.
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 to this will be another premium lounge with sweeping airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet. 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 1st February for construction. Premium customers travelling 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 travelling on eligible itineraries.
As Atlantic Joint Business partners, American and British Airways offer the most flights for customers travelling between New York and London compared to any other partnership — with up to 14 peak daily departures scheduled to operate between JFK and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) this summer.
When co-located, American and British Airways customers will be able to realise addition value from established reciprocal benefits while enjoying flexibility and seamless connections when travelling across airlines. Until operations are fully transitioned to Terminal 8 in December, BA will continue to cater for their customers requirements at JFK’s Terminal 7.
