Commercial programme launched for a new ‘world-class’ New York-JFK

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), The New Terminal One (NTO) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have announced the launch of the commercial programme for the privately funded $9.5 billion all-international terminal scheduled to open in 2026 as part of the $19 billion transformation of New York-JFK.

According to the trio, the commercial vision will converge beloved New York City favourites, global powerhouse brands, engaging guest experiences and thoughtful amenities under one spectacular roof.

Commercial vision

They state that “the iconic new experience will wow customers with a curated mix of luxury brands, premium apparel, New York’s signature global cuisine and experiential categories.

“The collection is expected to include several first-to-airport market brands as well as a focus on unique products, food, and beverage sourced from local makers, purveyors, and farmers.

“The state-of-the-art terminal design incorporates a playful range of emotions one feels while in New York — from the luxury excitement and vibrancy of the Met Gala to the charm of the city’s neighbourhood pockets and the lush nature of New York’s parks. Passengers will get a taste of Queens through both cuisine and aesthetics, with all five boroughs represented throughout the terminal.”

When fully complete, the New Terminal One will be the largest terminal at JFK, with 23 gates and more than 300,000 square feet of retail, dining and lounge space over a total footprint of 2.4 million square feet.

PANYNJ executive director, Rick Cotton, said: “From the outset of our $19 billion transformation of JFK, our goal has been to build best-in-class facilities that offer a passenger experience on par with or better than what travellers find at the world’s great airports.

“At the heart of that effort is the ambitious commercial program envisioned for the New Terminal One, which will bring together global brands and iconic local businesses that will combine with our public art, branding and architecture to create a sense of place unique to New York.”

Colleague, Port Authority chairman, Kevin O’Toole, predicted: “Visitors from around the world will be energised from the moment they enter the New Terminal One at JFK thanks to the locally inspired shops and restaurants that will reflect the diverse tastes and styles from across our region.

“Just as we have done at Newark’s Terminal A, we are drawing on the talents of local businesses, artisans and restauranteurs to create memorable and award-winning new airports.”

While NTO president and CEO, Dr Gerrard Bushell, said: “The launch of the commercial programme for the New Terminal One is an important milestone as we advance towards our scheduled opening in 2026.

“We are proud to partner with URW Airports to launch a world-class retail experience featuring global brands and local New York businesses, reflecting the dazzling array of offerings that our great city is known for.

“Our food and beverage selection will showcase a rich diversity of cuisines and flavors inspired by the tapestry of cultures that make up New York City, while driving real economic opportunities in our community for generations to come.”

Community outreach

With the launch of the commercial programme, URW is going to market to promote concessions business opportunities — with a focus on diverse entry points for local, womenm and minority-owned businesses, from product placement to retail and dining.

Global Duty Free RFP Issued

As an important project milestone, URW Airports issued its first prime operator Request for Proposals (RFP) and is seeking an innovative and bold global duty free partner to achieve its vision and connect with the vibrant local maker and vendor community to feature local products.

The tender is offered as a single package covering five outlets in the project’s initial phase, with additional space provided in future phases. As part of the RFP, the operator must include at least 30% airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) participation and incorporate a minimum of 5% of local business enterprise (LBE) product in their shop floor product mix, complementary to the overall merchandising plan.

URW Airports is said to be committed to lowering barriers to entry and providing technical assistance and support to ensure The New Terminal One “reflects the rich diversity of its communities, creates strong career paths for local students and workers, and fosters impactful partnerships with local organisations and programmes including the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions (IOC)”.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform John F Kennedy International Airport into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure.

The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport’s south side broke ground in September 2022. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal, is now under construction.

The new Terminal 6 builds on the momentum of the other three major components of the airport’s transformation already underway. Additionally, the $400 million modernisation and expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, and British Airways was substantially completed in November 2022.

All the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority’s roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships.

The Port Authority capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full JFK redevelopment programme.