American Airlines and British Airways unveiled the first look of the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where both airlines will welcome customers starting Thursday.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.

"We're moving"

Earlier today, American Airlines, British Airways, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hosted a press conference at JFK to unveil the updates at the terminal.

As part of a $400 million joint investment, two of the leading members of the oneworld Alliance unveiled a new check-in area, new gates, and three new lounges. The newly renovated terminal is expected to accommodate about 10 million passengers annually.

The $400 million investment in Terminal 8 includes the addition of five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an enhanced and expanded baggage handling system. The new terminal has added one hundred thirty thousand square feet of space.

"This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision for a world-class, 21st century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other. Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8 — with five new wide body gates — offers an improved passenger experience and expanded capacity for trans-Atlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners at Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and the region.” - Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

American Airlines and British Airways will move operations to the new Terminal 8 on December 1. Spanish oneworld partner, Iberia, will also join them that day. Japan Airlines is expected to move to Terminal 8 in May 2023. Eight oneworld carriers will operate from the new terminal in the future.

In the past, oneworld Airlines' operations have been divided between three terminals at JFK, leading to several inefficiencies. Japan Airlines and Royal Air Maroc were located in Terminal 1, British Airways and Iberia in Terminal 7, and now eight carriers will consolidate in Terminal 8. Adding the oneworld carriers under one roof will make for a smoother travel experience for oneworld customers connecting to and from international flights in New York.

American Airlines highlighted that more than $150 million worth of contracts were awarded to 115 unique minority and women-owned businesses in the renovation of Terminal 8. The airlines also partnered with other local businesses from Queens, New York.

New premium lounges

Terminal 8 will offer three premium lounges for passengers, Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich, each unique. The Chelsea and Soho lounges are brand new, while the Greenwich lounge is a rebranded American Airlines Flagship Lounge.

The primary features of each lounge are listed below:

  • The Chelsea Lounge: stunning circular champagne bar; fireside lounge; luxury showers; and a dedicated space for la carte dining
Chelsea-lounge-interior
Photo: American Airlines
  • The Soho Lounge: floor-to-ceiling-windows with fantastic airside views
Soho-lounge-interior
Photo: American Airlines
  • The Greenwich Lounge: premium wine table, expansive seating, and chef-inspired meals

What do you think of the new updates in Terminal 8? Let us know in the comments below.

  • britishairways_216862008867490 (1)
    New York JFK Airport
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    JFK/KJFK
    Country:
    United States
    CEO:
    Rick Cotton (Executive Director of Port Authority of NY and NJ)
    Passenger Count :
    16,630,642 (2020)
    Runways :
    4L/22R - 3,682m (12,079 ft) | 4R/22L - 2,560m (8,400 ft) | 13L/31R - 3,048m (10,000 ft) | 13R/31L - 4,423m (14,511 ft)
    Terminals:
    Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 | Terminal 7 | Terminal 8
  • British Airways Tile
    British Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    BA/BAW
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport
    Year Founded:
    1974
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    Airline Group:
    IAG
    CEO:
    Sean Doyle
    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Loyalty Program:
    British Airways Executive Club
    Region:
    Europe