USA. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), The New Terminal One (NTO) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports today announced the launch of the commercial programme for the US$9.5 billion all-international terminal scheduled to open in 2026 at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The commercial vision “will converge beloved New York City favourites, global powerhouse brands, engaging guest experiences and thoughtful amenities under one spectacular roof,” said the partners.
When fully complete, the New Terminal One will be the largest terminal at JFK, with 23 gates and more than 300,000sq ft of retail, dining and lounge space over a total footprint of 2.4 million sq ft.
As a key project milestone, URW Airports has 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 the shop floor product mix, complementary to the overall merchandising plan.
Of the commercial programme, The Port Authority and URW Airports said the new experience would “wow customers” with a blend 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 beverages sourced from local makers, purveyors and farmers.
The terminal design incorporates “the luxury excitement and vibrancy of the Met Gala to the charm of the city’s neighborhood pockets and the lush nature of New York’s parks”. Passengers will get a taste of the Queens borough through both cuisine and aesthetics, with all five boroughs represented throughout the terminal.
“From the outset of our US$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,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “At the heart of that effort is the ambitious commercial programme 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.”
“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,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “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.”
“We are excited to partner with The New Terminal One and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to deliver a world-class commercial programme for the world’s best international terminal,” said URW Airports CEO Dany Nasr.
“The most sought-after brands see The New Terminal One as an unparalleled opportunity to capitalise on a premier audience, create global exposure, and express their brands within a showstopping environment. Together, we will set the benchmark for future airport developments in North America and beyond.”
“The launch of the commercial program for the New Terminal One is an important milestone as we advance towards our scheduled opening in 2026,” said Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of The New Terminal One.
“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 & beverage selection will showcase a rich diversity of cuisines and flavours 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 program, URW is going to market to promote concessions business opportunities — with a focus on diverse entry points for local, women and minority-owned businesses, from product placement to retail and dining. The community is invited to attend the inaugural virtual information sessions:
- Introduction to Airport Concessions Opportunities (virtual) on 16 April, 1-2pm EST.
- Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Concessions JV Equity Partnership Opportunities (virtual) on 23 April, 1-2pm EST.
Potential partners can visit www.aNewJFK.com to sign up to attend an event, register for business opportunities and stay up-to-date on news and events about the NTO commercial programme.
URW Airports said it is committed to ensuring 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).
It is offering “right-sized opportunities to provide flexible entry points for ACDBEs and LBEs that balance customer preferences and commercial objectives while growing the capacity of local businesses to help them reach their ultimate success,” said URW Airports.
Transforming JFK
In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport. The US$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 US$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 US$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.
The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by JFK’s Terminal 1, the recently closed Terminal 2, and the former Terminal 3, where it will anchor the international airport’s south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026.
At completion, which is anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One will be 2.4 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined.
Sustainably designed, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally-lit public spaces, new technology and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world. ✈
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