The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports will undertake a $125m commercial redevelopment of Terminal 8 at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The project will feature a New York-inspired Great Hall and is expected to bring more than 60 new shopping and restaurant offerings to the terminal. With an emphasis on locally owned and diverse businesses that will create economic opportunities for the community, the new programme will showcase New York’s world-renowned culinary scene and establish a unique sense of place for travellers, the partners said.
Following the recent completion of a $400m expansion of Terminal 8, the commercial redevelopment will involve a complete redesign and expansion of the concessions programme, including new dining, retail, duty-free shopping, performance space and a new digitally enabled experiences for customers. Affordable dining options consistent with the Port Authority’s street-pricing policy will be included.
We’re committed to ensuring Terminal 8’s concession programme represents the best of New York
JFK T8 Innovation Partners
American Airlines selected JFK T8 Innovation Partners, a joint venture led by URW, to lead the redevelopment. URW is an owner, developer and operator of sustainable, high-quality real estate assets across Europe and the United States. Also joining the T8 Partners team, with a 30% equity stake, is Phoenix Infrastructure Group, a minority-owned, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)-certified investment firm focused on critical infrastructure projects; and Holt Construction, a New York construction management firm with experience in more than 100 aviation projects at airports across the country, including the expansion of Terminal 8.
“We’re committed to ensuring Terminal 8’s concession programme celebrates New York’s incredible diversity and represents the best of New York with a line-up that spotlights local, small and minority-owned businesses alongside global icons,” URW Airports CEO Dany Nasr said.
Local community connections
The connection to the Queens, New York City, and New York State communities will be at the forefront of the redevelopment, from design and construction to operating opportunities for local businessowners. With the expansion of the concessions programme, the project will create more than 300 new concessions jobs at Terminal 8.
We are excited to provide a pathway for local and minority enterprises to propel their business
“This is another tremendous milestone in our extensive JFK Redevelopment Program,” said Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton. “We are excited for the continued transformation to bring customers a world-class travel experience, boost employment opportunities for our local communities, and provide a pathway for local and minority enterprises to propel their business as a design, construction or concession partner.”
At all of the Port Authority’s airport redevelopment projects, an emphasis on including locally owned, iconic dining and shops has been a key part of the agency’s vision. The presence of local businesses at terminals helps to create airports with a sense of place unique to the region and economic opportunities for nearby communities.
Small business accelerator programme
To lower the barriers of entry into the airport industry for locally owned small businesses, T8 Partners will launch a small business accelerator programme for Queens- and other locally-based enterprises that will provide technical assistance and innovative leasing approaches with low risk. T8 Partners is also committed to achieving the Port Authority goal of 30% M/WBE participation in the design and construction of concession spaces and 30% Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) for concession operations.
Green Restaurant Association
With sustainability another fundamental element of the redevelopment, T8 Partners has joined forces with The Green Restaurant Association to deliver a food and beverage programme with brands that value sustainable business practices and get 100% of all eligible tenants to become Certified Green Restaurants. The certification is based on the sustainability of the restaurant's energy, water, waste, chemicals, food sources, and packaging.
Image: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
