American Airlines and British Airways have unveiled further details for their plans to co-locate operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 beginning 1 December, 2022. The US$400 million investment to redevelop, expand and enhance the terminal will bring the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together than ever before.
Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer for American Airlines said British Airways’ 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.”
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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 parking positions, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings — including approximately 12,000 square metres of new and renovated terminal space.
The arrangement between the carriers will provide their customers with more seamless connections, larger concourses and top-tier amenities.
Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience said: “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 December.
AA, BA further elevating the premium guest experience
When complete, premium customers travelling on both airlines and other oneworld partners will have access to a reimagined journey through JFK.
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. There will also be 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 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’ 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.
AA’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK is expected to close next month 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 traveling on eligible itineraries.
Lead image: Render of a high-end champagne bar that defines the entry to American and British Airway’s most exclusive lounge.