Governor Kathy Hochul and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today celebrated a key milestone in the Port Authority's transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with the groundbreaking for the $4.2 billion project to develop a new Terminal 6. The 1.2 million square foot, state-of-the-art new terminal on the airport's north side will feature 10 new gates - including 9 wide-body gates - and will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 jobs in construction. This project is the final piece of the JFK Vision Plan to break ground, and it will complete the transformation of the airport into a 21st century global gateway.
"New York remains committed to providing travelers with a premier experience that includes world-class amenities, expanded and streamlined airport transportation, and state-of-the-art security," Governor Hochul said. "The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 offers a complete vision for the modernized global gateway while adding 4,000 jobs to New York's workforce. Congratulations to everyone who has dedicated years of hard work to making this historic milestone possible."
The new Terminal 6 is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners -- a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets, which has a 30-percent equity stake in the project; New York real estate operating company RXR; and JetBlue Airways, the project's airline sponsor.
JFK Millennium Partners is developing the new terminal in two phases, with the first new gates opening in 2026 and construction completion in 2028. The new terminal will create an anchor for passenger travel on JFK's north side, spanning the sites of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7. JFK Millennium Partners is managing Terminal 7 until the 50-year-old facility is demolished to make way for the second phase of construction.
The new Terminal 6 arrivals and departures hall will feel spacious, bright, and airy thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings throughout the new terminal. Inspiring public art by New York-based artists and architectural elements depicting New York landmarks will create a unique sense of place. Passengers will enjoy more than 100,000 square feet of world-class shopping and dining featuring locally based restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste of NY stores.
State-of-the-art technology will improve the customer experience with touchless technology from check-in to gates and digital systems that will streamline the passenger journey throughout the terminal. Advanced security systems will include automated TSA security lanes, biometric-based access control systems and a flexible design to accommodate future technology or regulatory changes. A convenient taxi plaza as well as designated for-hire vehicle pick-up areas will be shared with Terminal 5, substantially reducing traffic congestion on the terminal road frontage and maximizing connectivity across the airport.
As part of the agreement with JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority will commit $130 million in capital funding to build enabling infrastructure for the new Terminal 6, including airside improvements and utility enhancements such as electrical support for the project. Enhanced airside aircraft circulation will reduce congestion and delays, while roadway improvements will optimize airport traffic flow.
The development of Terminal 6 is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union construction jobs, and direct wages of $1.9 billion. JMP is committed to meeting and exceeding the Port Authority's goal of 30 percent participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and creating opportunities to foster and grow local businesses through the development. The Terminal 6 project is part of the Port Authority's $18 billion transformation of JFK under the leadership of Governor Hochul, and it is just one component in the Port Authority's overall $30 billion commitment to creating world-class facilities at all of the region's airports. In addition to JetBlue, Lufthansa Group will also make its home in the new Terminal 6, operating international flights out of several gates and creating a world-class lounge experience for guests travelling on its airlines, which include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said, "For generations, our region has been the nation's front door to the world. Finally, with the transformation of JFK International, it will become the airport that it was always destined to be - a state of the art global gateway that tells visitors they've arrived in the greatest region of the nation. At JFK, at LaGuardia Airport and at Newark-Liberty International, we are making unprecedented investments in the future of our region."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "With today's groundbreaking for a new, state-of-the-art Terminal 6, every project included in the $18 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class, global gateway is either underway or complete. Part of the Port Authority's $30 billion commitment to transforming the region's airports, this historic investment at JFK is a vote of confidence in the future of our region that will ensure that the airport will not only remain the nation's busiest for international travelers, but that it will be among the world's finest airports."
JFK Millennium Partners Board Chair and Vantage Airport Group Chair & CEO George Casey said, "It's a tremendous honor to be playing a role in the delivery of Governor Hochul's vision to transform JFK International Airport into a world-class international gateway with a new Terminal 6. Today's ground-breaking celebrates the strong partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, reflects the hard work and shared commitment of our Vantage-led team to advance this $4.2 billion terminal transformation, and accelerates our delivery of an extraordinary airport facility that will provide tremendous benefits to the local community, city, and state that Terminal 6 will proudly serve."
JFK Millennium Partners CEO and Vantage Executive Helena Williams, said, "Great cities need great airports. Alongside our partners at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Vantage Airport Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue, we are ready to deliver a terminal that transforms the guest experience, drives significant economic activity, and creates extensive opportunities for local minority and women owned businesses to make their mark at JFK International Airport, starting now and for years to come."
JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said, "It was 23 years ago that JetBlue launched our first flights from our home at JFK, eventually taking over our modern Terminal 5, sending customers to more than 80 destinations. Now, at a time that JetBlue is set to grow significantly, we are excited to once again invest and further the governor's vision as we build the new Terminal 6. As we move JFK into the future with a new, state-of-the-art, customer-focused facility, we are so pleased to have an opportunity to expand our presence with new gates in a new terminal. The team putting this project together is setting out to develop a terminal that New Yorkers, including our JetBlue crewmembers, can be proud of."
ATI Chairman Secretary Henry Cisneros said, "ATI's involvement across all aspects of the project is a demonstration of how the principle of inclusion is valid; how it sets the stage for growth of new businesses, how it sets an example for representation of women, minorities, veterans, and local businesses in large scale projects, and how it demonstrates an effective means to create an American economy where every business sector can serve the cause of equity."
RXR Chairman Scott Rechler said, "As we navigated a global pandemic and a rapidly changing economic environment alongside our partners at the Port Authority, our determination to reach this critical milestone never wavered. The new terminal 6 at JFK International Airport is another example of how with private sector investment and ingenuity in collaboration with the public sector we can revitalize our aging infrastructure while powering economic vitality. Congratulations to Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and our JMP partners for this historic day."
Representative Gregory Meeks said, "This is a wonderful time for JFK Airport. The groundbreaking of the new Terminal 6 is another step toward elevating the airport as a premier global gateway. The project allows for the creation of thousands of jobs which allows for additional employment opportunities for New Yorkers. We are investing in our state's growing economy and enhancing our infrastructure while offering state-of-the art technology for a seamless traveling experience for passengers."
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, "We are excited, in this airport community, that we have the opportunity to fully participate in this infrastructure project and airport ecosystem. Residents of Southeast Queens can fully participate in the airport economics; including ownership and investment, business opportunities, high-level jobs and training."
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, "Today, Governor Hochul continues to lead the charge in making sure the redevelopment of JFK Airport is a priority. The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 is transformative for this state and the South East Queens community. World class includes us, includes Union jobs, and MWBE. We knew before the shovels were in the ground that our residents deserved career opportunities in this redevelopment for years to come. Thank you to Congressman Gregory Meeks & Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for their leadership, as well as the Port Authority."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "This is a historic day for The World's Borough and the millions of people from across the world who fly in and out of Kennedy Airport. The JFK Vision Plan, one of the largest economic development projects in Queens' history, is coming to fruition before our eyes. "From the creation of 4,000 jobs to new contracting opportunities for local small businesses and MWBEs, Terminal 6's redevelopment will reverberate throughout Queens' economy for years to come. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, the JFK Airport Redevelopment Council, the workers who will build this terminal and all who played a role in getting us to this monumental moment."
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, "John F. Kennedy International Airport is the gateway to New York City, and for many visitors, our entire country. The groundbreaking for the new Terminal 6 is a milestone achievement for the redevelopment of JFK Airport and will enhance the traveling experience for all passengers. It is critical that small businesses, MWBE firms, and local residents from Southeast Queens and the airport's surrounding neighborhoods benefit from the economic opportunities generated by this project. I look forward to celebrating the completion of Terminal 6 and all of the projects that are part of JFK Airport's complete transformation."
New York City Council Majority Whip and Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said, "I applaud today's groundbreaking on JFK's new international Terminal 6. JFK is an economic engine for the city and for Council District 31, and its successful redevelopment will help to ensure its status as a global gateway extends far into the future. It is crucial that as this project proceeds, the program meets ambitious MWBE utilization goals, engages the surrounding community, and addresses the needs of impacted community members. I look forward to the completion of Terminal 6 by way of a process that benefits all New Yorkers."
Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera said, "Today's groundbreaking on a new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport represents the beginning of another critical, large-scale infrastructure upgrade that will play a crucial role in revitalizing New York's economy and create thousands of good paying, middle class union careers with benefits. We must continue to invest in these projects that create sustainable career opportunities for our city's working people, and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and steadfast dedication to ensuring that these job-generating projects are the gateway to a new era in New York. Our members are at the ready and look forward to ramping up their work to complete this next step in fully modernizing JFK International Airport into the exemplary, world-class transportation hub that New Yorkers, and our visitors, truly deserve."
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President & CEO Justin Rodgers said, "The massive redevelopment taking place across JFK Airport will re-establish it as one of the world's premiere international gateways. Governor Hochul's vision for JFK will have a long-term impact on the metropolitan region. We are proud to have assisted the Governor and her team and the JFK Redevelopment Co-Chairs with finding minority and women-owned businesses in Southeast Queens to join in the work."
President & CEO of the New York Building Congress Carlo A. Scissura, Esq. said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of JFK Airport's fantastic new Terminal 6. Everywhere you look in New York, another transformative project is underway and Terminal 6 is a perfect example of that. Today's milestone means thousands of good-paying industry jobs and will result in an improved passenger experience at one of our region's most important travel hubs. We congratulate Gov. Hochul, the Building Congress members behind the project, and the countless partners who helped bring the Redevelopment Program to life."
Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community
In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. It is co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of Southeast Queens, Southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.
Since its inception, the Council has been working with the Port Authority to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students, and jobseekers.
This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the JFK Redevelopment program, including this terminal project, which will be built by union labor under a full project-labor agreement. Other community development initiatives prioritized by the Council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for local residents, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students.
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 new Terminal 6 builds on the momentum of the other three major components of the airport's transformation already underway. 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. Additionally, the $400 million modernization and expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, and British Airways, which relocated to Terminal 8 late last year, was substantially completed in November 2022.
All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent an $18 billion transformation of JFK International and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority capital investment of $2.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of more than five 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 program.