British Airways has recently unveiled details of its multi-million-pound re-design for New York JFK Terminal 7, the airline’s flagship US airport. New CGI images give customers a first glimpse of what the terminal will look like following a more than £52 million ($65 million) investment, which will transform the airport experience for the thousands of customers that use it each week.
The New York airport modernisation project follows a series of recent investment announcements by the airline, including a £400 million upgrade to Club World, the introduction of Club Europe cabins on domestic flights, new world-class lounge refurbishments, a new First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5 in London, as well as latest generation WiFi on long-haul and short-haul fleets, self-service check-in and biometric boarding gates to speed up the airport journey.
The redesign at JFK will be complete at the end of 2018, revealing a spacious, modern new check-in concourse with a separate Club World and First area, designed with customer privacy in mind. The intimate space will draw inspiration from The First Wing which recently opened at Heathrow Terminal 5 and the new premium check-in area at Gatwick’s South Terminal.
Business class, First customers and Gold and Silver Executive Club card holders will benefit from completely regenerated lounges with more space and restaurant-style pre-flight dining. The Concorde Room, which is available for First customers, will also undergo a refresh.
Abigail Comber, British Airways’ head of customer, said: “We are currently working behind-the-scenes with top architects and designers to create a beautiful new space for our customers to relax, dine and work in before they take off. The new environment at Terminal 7 is designed for our customers to enjoy a smoother, faster and more relaxed airport experience. This will involve significantly increasing the number of people we can seat for in-flight dining, re-styling the space and adding new lighting, bars, and furniture.
“We recently opened our new lounge at Boston and next year we’ll be turning our attention to Aberdeen and Rome. Geneva will also be expanded and further investment is planned in San Francisco, Chicago, Johannesburg, and Manchester.”
Customers in all cabins will be able to enjoy a range of cuisines and refreshments at Terminal 7, inspired by New York’s eclectic street food scene. Classic American comfort food including burgers and gourmet sandwiches using premium ingredients will be served along with Japanese dishes made to order.
The investment will include:
- An enhanced, spacious check-in area for a fast, efficient customer journey.An exclusive new premium check-in zone with fast-track security lane.
- An exclusive new premium check-in zone with fast-track security lane.Redesigned and updated lounges with more space to relax, dine, and work.
- Redesigned and updated lounges with more space to relax, dine, and work.The introduction of an authentic New York culinary experience with local food and beverage concepts to satisfy a variety of tastes.
- The introduction of an authentic New York culinary experience with local food and beverage concepts to satisfy a variety of tastes.An immersive retail environment for duty-free shopping and concessions.
- An immersive retail environment for duty-free shopping and concessions.New gate seating areas with additional power outlets, designed for customer comfort and convenience.
- New gate seating areas with additional power outlets, designed for customer comfort and convenience.
About British Airways’ 2017 Investment Plan:
British Airways has launched its multi-million-pound investment plan to benefit its customers with a focus on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all. Four hundred million pounds will be spent on Club World with an emphasis on improved catering and sleep, and a new seat in the future. At Heathrow, a First Wing check-in area with direct security and lounge access has launched, and lounges around the airline’s network are to be revamped and improved. The Club Europe cabin has also been introduced on UK domestic services and all customers can look forward to the latest generation Wi-Fi across British Airways’ long-haul and short-haul fleets over the next two years.