Date: July 12, 2023

A new and exciting development is on the horizon at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, as a collaborative effort between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports unveils a significant $125 million commercial revitalization project for Terminal 8.

This ambitious initiative is set to transform Terminal 8 into a bustling hub that celebrates the diverse and locally-owned businesses that make New York unique. With over 60 new shopping and dining experiences, this project promises to showcase the culinary excellence that the city is renowned for, providing a one-of-a-kind environment for travelers.

Building on the recent $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, this new endeavor focuses on overhauling the concession program, offering an array of fresh dining options, retail spaces, duty-free shopping, and even a dynamic performance space. Pricing for dining will adhere to the Port Authority’s street pricing policy, ensuring affordability for passengers.

Central to this redevelopment is the commitment to engage with the Queens, New York City, and New York State communities. The project will create more than 300 new concession-related jobs at Terminal 8, providing employment opportunities for local communities and establishing pathways for local and minority businesses to thrive in various project roles.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This is another significant milestone in our extensive JFK redevelopment program. We are excited to continue transforming the airport to provide a world-class travel experience, open up employment opportunities for local communities, and create pathways for local and minority businesses to thrive as design, construction, or concession partners.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole emphasized the importance of showcasing local businesses, stating, “Visitors from around the world will get their first taste of what our region has to offer as soon as they step into JFK’s Terminal 8, which, like all of our new airport terminals, will feature a wide range of local dining and shops.”

Amanda Zhang, American Airlines’ Vice President of Airport Affairs and Facilities, added, “We look forward to working with our project partners, the Port Authority, and the local community to deliver a transformative dining and shopping experience that represents the dynamic New York region. We’re committed to ensuring a world-class experience at Terminal 8, and this commercial redevelopment will further elevate the travel journey for our customers and our oneworld® partners.”

American Airlines has enlisted JFK T8 Innovation Partners, led by URW, to spearhead the redevelopment. URW, a recognized leader in sustainable real estate assets across Europe and the U.S., is joined by Phoenix Infrastructure Group, a minority-owned investment firm with a focus on critical infrastructure projects, and Holt Construction, an experienced construction management firm in New York with a commitment to minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) participation.

Dany Nasr, CEO of URW Airports, shared his excitement, saying, “It is an honor to partner with American Airlines and the Port Authority to help transform JFK and bring major benefits to New Yorkers and travelers from around the world. We’re committed to ensuring Terminal 8’s concession program celebrates New York’s incredible diversity and represents the best of New York with a lineup that spotlights local, small, and minority-owned businesses alongside global icons.”

Jeremy Ebie, CEO of Phoenix Infrastructure Group, added, “We are thrilled and honored to be a part of this historic infrastructure project at the world-class gateway JFK Airport. The redevelopment of Terminal 8 will raise the bar in both delivering a next-generation customer experience and in creating a new and truly impactful model for engaging with local communities in achieving the ultimate goal of building opportunity and sustaining long-term benefits for its citizens.”

The project’s core values revolve around supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. The emphasis is on locally-owned, iconic dining and shopping experiences that reflect the region’s identity and provide opportunities for the local community. T8 Partners will launch a small business accelerator program tailored for Queens and local enterprises, facilitating their entry into the airport industry. This program will provide technical assistance and innovative leasing approaches with low risk. The project also aims to achieve the Port Authority’s goals for MWBE and ACDBE participation.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of this project, with T8 Partners collaborating with The Green Restaurant Association to curate a food and beverage program that prioritizes sustainable business practices. The goal is to have all eligible tenants become Certified Green Restaurants, aligning with criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and eco-friendly packaging.

To introduce the project to local businesses and encourage their participation, informational sessions are planned, including sessions on architectural, engineering, and construction, as well as airport concessions opportunities. These sessions are designed to engage with local stakeholders and create meaningful opportunities for residents, small businesses, and students.

The JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, in collaboration with the Port Authority, has been working to ensure continuous feedback from local stakeholders. This collaborative effort aims to create opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students, jobseekers, and union labor, aligning with the Port Authority’s commitment to community development.

The JFK Vision Plan, unveiled in 2017, is guiding the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport into a world-class facility, with multiple significant projects contributing to its comprehensive redevelopment. This endeavor represents a remarkable series of public-private partnerships and a total investment of $19 billion in JFK International Airport’s transformation.

As this ambitious project takes flight, it promises to not only enhance the travel experience but also to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of New York City while providing economic opportunities for local communities.