Metropolitan Airport News

Author: Metropolitan Airport News

PANYNJ Offers Holiday Travel Guidance to JFK Travelers Amid Peak Airport Construction
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is urging travelers using John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during the Thanksgiving holiday to avoid driving directly to airport terminals and instead rely on public transportation and the free pick-up and drop-off lot at AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Boulevard station to avoid traffic at the terminal frontages. JFK is forecast to set a record for passenger volume during the holiday week amid peak airport construction as the $19 billion redevelopment nears the halfway mark.

Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, the Port Authority forecasts that 1.34 million travelers will use JFK, an increase of more than 25,000 passengers compared with last year’s record Thanksgiving holiday. Sunday, Nov. 29, is expected to be the single busiest travel day of the holiday week, with more than 190,000 passengers using JFK.

“We would like our customers to spend as much time as possible with family and friends on this Thanksgiving holiday and as little time sitting in construction-related traffic at JFK,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Leave extra time, use public transportation, pre-book parking if you absolutely have to drive to JFK, and visit our website for the latest travel advisories before you leave for the airport.”

“As we approach the halfway mark in the historic $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class airport, the challenge of moving people to and from the airport has never been as great as it is now. Not only are we at peak construction, but we are handling record numbers of passengers. Our best advice to holiday travelers is to leave your car at home and take the AirTrain straight to your terminal at JFK. AirTrain JFK is just 20 minutes from Penn Station, Grand Central, or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. It’s also easily accessible from a number of subway lines,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “But our commitment to a best-in-class customer experience has not wavered. We are working round-the-clock to make sure that getting to and from JFK goes as smoothly as possible. And in less than two years, when the first new terminals open and the new road network is complete, travelers will see that the pain was worth the gain.”

Faced with record passenger volumes and historic levels of construction, the Port Authority implemented a package of measures to help travelers navigate construction-related traffic delays at the airline terminals throughout the construction program. To date, those efforts have removed about 4,000 vehicles a day from the terminal frontages – for a total of more than 500,000 vehicles since the effort began in June. Passengers are also heeding the call to take public transportation to JFK. Year-over-year ridership on AirTrain is up by 14 percent.

As was done at LaGuardia Airport, the Port Authority and its private partners are building new passenger facilities, ground transportation facilities and a completely new roadway network while maintaining full flight operations at JFK. Building on lessons learned at LaGuardia, the Port Authority has deployed a coordinated response to manage potential traffic issues with the capability to predict, assess and quickly adapt to changing traffic conditions. The agency’s traffic management strategy includes:

Proactive traffic management:
- Airport operations center is staffed 24/7 to support airport-wide coordination and active traffic management, anticipating peak activity and implementing traffic mitigations in response to increased wait or queues
- Real-time coordination 24/7 for flight activity, traffic delays, public messaging, and mapping platform updates
- Facilitate adjustments in roadway construction activity to meet operational needs of airport community
Increased staffing to keep traffic and passengers moving to their destinations:
- Frontline staff will be increased, including Port Authority police officers and Port Authority operations staff, additional traffic managers at terminal frontages, tow trucks pre-positioned, additional taxi dispatchers and parking attendants, and customer service representatives at all terminals and across the AirTrain system
Mass transit alternatives and advance booking to speed journeys:
- Use AirTrain JFK from Jamaica or Howard Beach to avoid traffic; Jamaica is just 20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, or Atlantic Terminal via Long Island Rail Road. Easy subway connections are also available via the A/E/J/Z lines.
- When picking up or dropping off passengers, avoid driving directly to terminals. Instead, drivers should use free waiting lots, including the free pick-up and drop-off lot at AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Blvd station. The AirTrain at Lefferts Blvd is a free 8-minute ride to terminals, resulting in a faster journey. Long-term parking is also available at the Lefferts Blvd station.
- Given record travel volumes and construction entering a peak phase, congestion is expected, and passengers getting picked up or dropped off at terminals should allow for additional time. 
- Parking is extremely limited. To save significantly on cost and to guarantee a spot, travelers should pre-book their parking space at JFKAirport.com.
Port Authority Urges Travelers to Visit Construction.JFKAirport.com for Latest Updates, Tips and Travel Advisories Before Heading to JFK

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK 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 $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. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airport’s north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022. 

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority’s roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority’s capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four 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 redevelopment of JFK.
November 26, 2024
ANA Selects Terminal 6 as Its Future Home at JFK International Airport

JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new world-class Terminal 6 (T6), and All Nippon Airways (ANA), an award-winning, Tokyo-based carrier renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability and customer service, announced that ANA will be among the first airlines to operate from the new state-of-the-art terminal when it opens to passengers in 2026.

Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

ANA passengers can look forward to Terminal 6’s digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to all gates,100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping, dining, lounges and amenities, curated public art, sustainable operating features, and a premium guest experience throughout the terminal.

“ANA has been a long-term tenant at JFK Terminal 7, where we’ve seen firsthand their commitment to quality, operational safety and exceptional passenger care since our JMP team took over the management of Terminal 7 two years ago. We look forward to elevating the ANA guest experience even further as we write the next chapter of our partnership together at JFK Terminal 6,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners.

ANA Executive Vice President, Alliances & International Affairs, Facilities, Digital Transformation, Katsuya Goto said: “JFK Terminal 6 is an excellent terminal – not only in terms of customer value, but also in terms of operations. I am confident that our customers will consistently be highly satisfied. We look forward to serving our customers in Terminal 6 and providing long-term value with the continuous support of JFK Millennium Partners.”

ANA Executive Vice President, The Americas, General Manager, New York, Toshio Nomura said: “New York is one of ANA’s most important markets, which we have served for over 30 years. We have long wanted to progress the customer experience at JFK, and it’s a great honor for us to welcome our customers to the new Terminal 6 with our latest 777-300ER product.”

ANA currently operates two daily nonstop flights from JFK Terminal 7 to Tokyo (Haneda) using Boeing 777 widebody aircraft, offering passengers its pristine First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy class products. The airline has continuously served the New York market from Tokyo for over 30 years, including nearly 25 years of operations at JFK Terminal 7. The JFK route, in particular, is of strategic importance as a key gateway for ANA in the United States. ANA joins its fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines as future JFK Terminal 6 airlines.

November 25, 2024
HMSHost Appoints Industry Veteran Brett Kelly as Vice President of Business Development

Brett Kelly

Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, today announces the appointment of concessions industry veteran Brett Kelly as Vice President of Business Development for food and beverage across North America.

A seasoned and respected senior executive in aviation and hospitality, Kelly will play a crucial role in HMSHost’s growth as a leadership team member charged with winning and retaining airport contracts, maintaining landlord relations, and improving portfolio real estate values across nearly 80 airports in North America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brett to HMSHost,” said Derryl Benton, Chief Development Officer, North America, Avolta. “I am proud to have known and worked alongside Brett for many years and know that his expertise and leadership in our industry will be instrumental as we continue to enhance the traveler experience in every market we serve. His vision perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional service, quality, and experiences that make the journey as exciting as the destination.”

Kelly joins HMSHost after a distinguished career in airport concessions and commercial development spanning more than 25 years, most recently as Managing Partner of Harper Elan Business Consulting. During his decade-long tenure supporting the concessions program at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Kelly served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Vice President and Asset Manager for Fraport. In these capacities, he was responsible for the financial and operational performance of the company. As COO, Kelly oversaw the development, leasing, and operations of six concessions contracts. He managed the entirety of the Fraport USA field organization with direct responsibility for the management, operations, leasing, and state contract compliance for 110 BWI locations. Between 2011 and 2021, he increased project rental revenue from $15 million to $24 million.

Kelly also held progressively important positions at General Growth Properties, one of the most extensive REIT shopping center development and management companies in the United States. He rose to Vice President of Local Leasing during his tenure, where he supervised four group vice presidents and 42 negotiators throughout the U.S., generating $150 million in annual leasing revenue.

“I am excited to join HMSHost, a company renowned for its innovation and excellence in the travel dining space,” said Kelly. “I look forward to working with the talented team to build on the company’s success and explore new opportunities for partnership and growth.”

November 15, 2024
A Very Real Conversation About the Use of Artificial Intelligence at the NYC Airports

Vaughn College, in partnership with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, hosted a panel conversation on Wednesday evening, November 13, with the chief executives of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private developer and manager of the brand new LaGuardia Terminal B and JFKIAT, the private developer and manager of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, on how the use of AI is revolutionizing airport operations. NY1 Transit Reporter Samantha Liebman moderated the conversation.

The conversation on AI comes at a time when multi-billion-dollar airport redevelopments are creating world-class aviation facilities and when new student enrollment at Vaughn College saw a 40 percent increase yearly due to the significant demand and need for aviation professionals. Many Vaughn students intern and eventually work in a variety of capacities at the local airports, including at Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport and JFKIAT’s Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and experience the different elements of an airport from top to bottom.

Suzette Noble, chief executive officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, and Roel Huinink, president and chief executive officer of JFKIAT, both discussed their initial applications of AI, using it for passenger flow management where the terminals can use the data to see how people move within the airport, how long the security checkpoint is, where the dwell times are and how it can improve the passenger experience.

(L.-R.): Roel Huinink, Suzette Noble and Samantha Liebman.

For example, they utilize AI to see that they need to open more security lanes in the early morning hours to keep the lines moving. Another example includes enhancing the safety and security of airport operations, using the data from the airports’ extensive and sophisticated camera systems to understand better what is happening operationally in real-time and respond as needed.

“It’s an exciting time for the aviation industry because the opportunities are endless. With more than one million aviation jobs likely needed over the next decade and as airports see record volumes of passengers, the use of AI and machine learning to manage airport operations, from the employees who run the airport to the mechanics who maintain the planes and the passengers that travel on them will become even more important,” said Dr. Sharon DeVivo, president and chief executive officer of Vaughn College. “Recognizing the need for understanding AI has led Vaughn to develop a computer science bachelor’s degree with AI and cybersecurity concentrations and to integrate courses around AI across all programs. Additionally, we continue to work closely with our local airports, terminal, and industry partners to ensure our students have the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers and have access to local internship and career opportunities.”

Nobel and Huinink also discussed what passengers don’t necessarily see behind the scenes and how Artificial Intelligence helps with luggage management in reducing the amount of lost luggage, including strollers and wheelchairs. In addition, LaGuardia Terminal B has a digital assistant built within its website to help guests get quick answers to quick questions.

The use of AI and machine learning is also helping to more efficiently manage terminal employees, including LaGuardia Terminal B, where 55 autonomous mobile inspection tables (MITs) help with the screening process where the bags don’t have to be loaded manually, allowing the terminal to redeploy staff to other areas of the airport.

In addition, they discussed how travel from home to the destination will become even more predictable because of AI, which will help not only enhance the guest experience but also more efficiently handle employee training and development, a priority for JFKIAT.

(L.-R.): Tuvi Cohen, Vice President of Programs, LandSkyAI; Mike Gabour, Founder of The Data Alchemist; Steven McCory, Sales Director, Virtual Guarding.

Following the conversation, Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon DeVivo and Tom McFarland of TeamLogic IT hosted a panel discussion with local Queens entrepreneurs from the Queens Chamber of Commerce Technology Committee on the future of AI in aviation and beyond, including Tuvi Cohen, Vice President of LandSkyAI and co-chair of the Queens Chamber’s Technology Committee, Mike Gabour, Founder of The Data Alchemists and Steven McCory from Virtual Guarding.

To learn more about Vaughn College and how it’s preparing the next generation of aviation and engineering professionals and/or to register for the December 7 Open House at Vaughn College, visit www.vaughn.edu.

November 15, 2024
Shedding Light on the Gateway to JFK Airport

JFKIAT, the operator of JFK Terminal 4, has awarded $5,000 to the GatewayJFK Business Improvement District (BID) to fund the installation of appropriate lighting in the commercial corridor outside JFK International Airport. This will significantly improve safety and deter illegal dumping, which affects the more than 180 residential homes and over 500 retail and commercial businesses in the same area.

GatewayJFK is a non-profit public-private partnership established in 2016 that provides supplemental services and improvements and promotes economic development and advocacy for the JFK District’s off-airport cargo community and for all those who reside, visit, work, and do business in the area. Its mission is to create a space, a gateway, so to speak, where off-airport businesses can thrive, expand, and be a good neighbor, as well as an employment resource to the surrounding residential community of southeast Queens.

The District is geographically located in the Springfield Gardens neighborhood of Queens, adjacent to John F. Kennedy International Airport, with Rockaway Boulevard as its primary access route. GatewayJFK is unique due to the extent to which the on-and-off airport businesses and operations are functionally integrated.

(L.-R.): James Johnson, Executive Director, GatewayJFK; and Carmine Couloute, Deputy Executive Director, GatewayJFK.

In speaking to Metropolitan Airport News, of JFK International Airport’s massive redevelopment project, James Johnson, Executive Director of GatewayJFK, said, “There is a huge need to invest outside of the airport. You have to drive through the JFK business district to get to the airport. My role as director is to make sure that we are investing in ways to make the District more attractive..for people to say they want to stop and take a closer look at the area, or perhaps take a look at the commercial or cargo areas to see why it’s beneficial to invest outside the airport.”

Johnson explained that lighting was one of the first things that everyone in the GatewayJFK Business Improvement District asked for, but did not know how to get it done at first. “Commercial owners do not like deliveries after hours because it is pitch black. There are hotspot areas that need lighting in the district, and the lighting will do much to deter, and even stop, illegal dumping and other unlawful situations.” Additionally, with many homes adjacent to the FAA (located in the BID), appropriate lighting (along with GatewayJFK’s sanitation and security initiatives) will help foster a safer, cleaner, and more attractive environment.

JFKIAT has done a great job purchasing the lighting. So we are getting it done, and able to, with Terminal 4 as a partner, who sees it as a worthy investment in the area,” said Johnson.

November 14, 2024
Annual Minimum Wage Increases for NY & NJ Airport Workers

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced a proposal from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for an expanded minimum wage policy at John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports that provides annual increases to the wages of thousands of airport workers starting in January 2025, with automatic increases tied to the regional cost of living, consistent with the minimum wage policies of the states of New York and New Jersey. The Port Authority Board of Commissioners last adopted an expanded minimum wage policy in 2018, which brought the wages of airport workers to a minimum of $19 per hour as of September 2023 but did not provide for any further increases without additional Board action.

“Today, we are taking a significant step forward in ensuring that the hardworking individuals who serve in the region’s airports are paid fairly and equitably for their contributions,” New York Gov. Hochul said. “This proposal guarantees annual wage increases tied to the cost of living, providing workers with the stability they need to thrive, while ensuring their pay rises alongside the economy. I will also be introducing an amendment to the Healthy Terminals Act during session next year to improve benefits for these workers. This is how we build a fairer, stronger New York for all.”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said, “Our region’s airport system serves as one of the nation’s largest distribution and transportation hubs, but it is only as efficient as the men and women who work each day to keep operations running smoothly. Airport work is a difficult and demanding job that deserves our recognition and our thanks, which is why I am pleased with today’s proposed per hour wage increases and look forward to seeing them approved.”

The new proposal provides for three upfront increases of $0.75 in January 2025, July 2025, and January 2026. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, annual increases would be tied to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) three-year moving average for the Northeast region, consistent with the two states’ minimum wage policies. The proposal provides for the wage to automatically increase to $25 in September 2032 if that level has not already been reached through the annual CPI increases as of January 2032.

The wage increase for airport workers is highly beneficial in helping to attract and retain more skilled labor to airport businesses, leading to improved customer experiences within the airports. A fairly compensated airport workforce leads to reduced turnover, resulting in a well-trained and experienced work force that can help to provide stable airport operations and an important supplemental security presence. Similarly, the Port Authority saw significant improvements in customer satisfaction following the previous minimum wage increases beginning in 2018.

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “Our airports serve as international front doors for this region, as well as engines for economic opportunities benefitting the communities nearby. Consistent and planned wage increases for airport workers improve morale and productivity as well as the quality of service for the millions of passengers who use our airports every year.”

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “The proposal we put forward today reflects our recognition and appreciation for the airport employees who work hard to look out for tens of millions of travelers at our region’s airports. Ensuring livable wages will improve worker satisfaction and increase staff retention, in turn enhancing customer service and advancing our goal of a world-class airport experience from curb to concession to gate.”

To offset the added cost to businesses operating stores and restaurants at Port Authority airports, the Port Authority also proposed a revision to the agency’s policy that regulates concession pricing at the agency’s airports. The revised policy will allow concessionaires to charge prices to their customers at a level not to exceed 15 percent more than the local, off-airport “street prices” for comparable products. This rate is consistent with several other U.S. airports that share similar regulations seeking to set rate ceilings and prevent price gouging. The Port Authority will also allow airport concessionaires to add an employee benefits and retention surcharge not to exceed 3 percent of a customer’s pre-tax bill.

The permitted adjustments to pricing reflect the added costs of doing business in the airport environment, which include unique factors such as additional security, training, logistics, and higher construction expenses. Per Airports Council International North America, more than 80 percent of U.S. airports employ a “street pricing plus” policy to allow concessionaires to offset those added costs. The current policy caps all concession prices at local, off-airport “street prices” plus a maximum of 10 percent.

To ensure compliance with fair market pricing policy for goods sold at airport concessionaires, the Port Authority conducts routine monitoring to enforce compliance of the agency’s street pricing standards. Additionally, the agency reviews customer complaints from feedback forms and social media. If a concessionaire is found in violation of the pricing policy, the Port Authority, terminal operators and/or concessions management companies may take corrective action to ensure compliance.

The Port Authority’s redevelopment of its airports prioritizes significant improvements to customer service and experience, underscoring the need for highly skilled workers employed at its airports. So far, the agency’s focus in transforming its airports into best-in-class gateways has yielded internationally recognized accolades. These include the 2024 Skytrax honor naming Newark Liberty’s Terminal A as the world’s best new airport terminal, an honor similar to Skytrax’s award in 2023 to LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, as well as Skytrax’s highest rating at five stars for facilities, service and customer experience for both terminals at the two Port Authority airports based on traveler surveys.

The need for additional skilled airport workers will grow in the coming years as new or expanded terminals open as part of the Port Authority’s multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Newark Liberty International airports. Within JFK’s $19 billion transformation, terminals 1 and 6 are scheduled to open in 2026, while terminals 4 and 8 are in the process of expansions and renovations that include new retail overhauls and opportunities for more airport businesses. At Newark Liberty, further redevelopment work is underway with the release of the Port Authority’s EWR Vision plan following the 2023 opening of the new Terminal A.

The Port Authority is committed to soliciting public input as it considers these changes. Members of the public and all interested parties are invited to submit comments via the Port Authority website during a 30-day comment period. All comments received about the proposed policy will be submitted to the Port Authority commissioners for consideration of changes, if any, to the proposal. The Board will then take action on the proposal at its Dec. 12 meeting.

November 13, 2024
Aero Snow Removal

With roots dating back to the early 1960s, Aero Snow Removal Corp. offers the most extensive and complete portfolio of services to handle any commercial and airport snow removal needs.

Aero Snow Removal Corp. is an affiliate of Dejana Industries, Inc.’s “family of companies.” It was incorporated in 1983 to service the exponential growth in Dejana’s commercial snow removal business and to begin its foray into the unique challenges of airport snow removal.

In addition to airports, its customers include container terminals, sports complexes, and commercial sites. Its menu of services has expanded over the years and offers ‘full-service’ snow removal programs, including push and pile, physical snow removal, and snow melting, as well as the application of liquid and solid de-icing agents and material spreading such as salt and sand.

‘Full service’ means that customers never have to call; Aero Snow Removal starts service automatically at pre-determined levels and then completes it promptly and efficiently without its clients having to request it. Aero Snow’s fleet and equipment have been built explicitly for snow removal. They are operated by highly skilled personnel experienced in all aspects of snow removal operations and maintained by a team of trained snow removal equipment mechanics.

Aero Snow Removal is a business-minded partner that is essential to its customers’ missions, not just its operations. It understands that its work is critical to its customers’ success during the winter and provides reliable services to maintain customer productivity, brand image, and reputation.

Aero Snow Removal values open communication, dependability, accountability, innovation, and safety. It is the first line of defense against winter weather; as soon as a snowstorm hits, its trained Snow Fighters are ready to deploy to protect property so customers can keep their businesses running and their employees safe.

Aero Snow Removal is on-call during snow season 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which translates to fewer delays, minimizes loss of client revenue and keeps the airport safe for employees and passengers alike.

Aero Snow Removal LLC
165 Cantiague Rock Road
Westbury, NY 11590
Tel: (516) 944-3100
(888) 848-AERO
www.aerosnow.com

November 12, 2024
Forward Air Announces New Chief Commercial Officer

Eric Brandt

Forward Air Corporation recently announced that Eric Brandt has joined the Company as Chief Commercial Officer to lead its strategic growth plan and business development efforts.

Mr. Brandt brings a strong track record of driving profitable growth in the logistics space, holding leadership roles at Agility, Panalpina, Kraft Foods and most recently, CEVA Logistics, where he served as Executive Vice President of Business Development. He will lead the combined company’s commercial strategy and accelerate its ongoing mission of sustainable long-term growth.

Shawn Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Eric will be a key player in launching the combined company into our next phase of growth. We are well-positioned to be a leader on the global logistics stage, and Eric has the experience and vision to help us get there. His expertise in strategic leadership and large-scale transformation initiatives will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our service offerings and deliver outstanding customer experiences. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

November 9, 2024
JFK Millennium Partners Completes Nearly $2bn Bond Issuance for JFK Terminal 6 Redevelopment, Including $1.85bn in Green Bonds
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the Vantage Group-led company selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build and operate the new JFK Terminal 6, has successfully completed a planned issuance of nearly $2 billion in bonds. The transaction is among the top three largest municipal bond financing projects at a U.S. airport since 2021.

$1.85 billion in Series 2024A alternative minimum tax (AMT) green bonds were issued, along with an additional $100 million in Series 2024B (AMT) convertible capital appreciation bonds (CCABs) – the latter representing the first of their kind at any U.S. airport. The funds will be used to refinance a portion of the costs of the first phase of construction.

Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Initially marketed at $1.5 billion, the Series 2024A green bonds and Series 2024B CCABs attracted significant investor interest during pre-pricing, were upsized to $1.95 billion the day of pricing, and ultimately saw demand for nearly $11 billion of orders. This reaffirms investor confidence in the experience and caliber of the Vantage-led JMP team delivering the highly-anticipated, 1.2 million square foot terminal, and the progress made to-date in both construction and airline leasing.

The bonds received Baa3 / BBB- ratings from Moody’s and S&P respectively, with a portion insured by Assured Guaranty. The New York Transportation Development Corporation acted as conduit issuer of the Series 2024 bonds on behalf of JMP.

The transaction was led by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC. The bonds were underwritten by a total of 13 banks, of which six were New York State certified minority, women-owned and service-disabled, veteran-owned business enterprises (M/W/SDVOBs): Siebert Williams Shank & Co., Academy Securities Inc., Cabrera Capital Markets, Mischler Financial Group, Inc., Ramirez & Co., Inc., and Rice Financial Products Company, further underscoring JMP’s commitment to its broader diversity participation goals in every aspect of the terminal’s development.

“JFK Millennium Partners is proud to mark this successful transaction and milestone, which demonstrates our team’s continued focus on the successful delivery of a new world-class Terminal 6 at JFK Airport on-schedule and on budget,” said George Casey, Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners, and Chair and CEO, Vantage Group.  ”Market response to this offering reflects the substantial progress made in construction and terminal leasing, local community involvement in every aspect of the development, and the strength and expertise of the Vantage-led team that is developing and will manage the new Terminal 6.”

“This transaction is further proof of the market’s confidence in the value that Terminal 6 will bring to our airlines, our passengers, and our community – a boutique, state-of-the-art experience, with premium amenities, seamless connections to Terminal 5, and the critical involvement of diverse local businesses– all built and operated sustainably,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners.

Currently under construction, Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first five gates opening in 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. As part of its agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JMP will continue to manage the existing JFK Terminal 7 operations until Terminal 7 is demolished in 2026 to begin phase 2 of development, including the construction of an additional five widebody gates. By 2030, annual enplanements at Terminal 6 are expected to reach approximately 4.3 million passengers, supporting the Port Authority’s vision to grow and transform JFK airport into a modern global gateway.

Phase 1 development reached a key milestone on October 1, 2024, with the placement of the final piece of structural steel. Terminal 6’s curtain wall and the installation of critical systems such as baggage handling, heating, cooling, and electrical is already well underway, with the majority of the building expected to be fully enclosed by the end of 2024.

New York City-inspired retail, dining options, lounges, and amenities totaling nearly 100,000 square feet will create a unique New York sense of place. Terminal 6 airlines and their passengers will enjoy a boutique-style, world-class terminal that is digital-first, efficient, and full of the latest passenger conveniences, technology, and amenities, including:
- 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft
- Seamless connections to JetBlue’s Terminal 5
- Direct access to two JFK AirTrain stations
- Less than 5-minute average walking distance from the TSA security screening exit to gates
- State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs and border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies
- One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones
- Multiple airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals lounge
- A new ground transportation center
- A curated collection of New York City-inspired artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy efficient systems and operating practices throughout the terminal
- Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision, and SITES underway
November 7, 2024
LGA Terminal B Honors First B-Celebrated Recipients

LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the manager and developer of LaGuardia Terminal B, recently launched B-Celebrated, a terminal-wide recognition program, to honor Terminal B community members who go above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience every day.

Meherun Kanak (2nd from left) with ABM/Ethos Farm team and LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ CEO Suzette Noble.

The first B-Celebrated recipients are Meherun Kanak (MK), a Guest Experience Ambassador with ABM/Ethos Farm, and Luis Jose Fernandez, a cook at Villa Restaurant Group’s Talde. MK and Luis were celebrated in a ceremony on October 24 at Terminal B, hosted by LaGuardia Gateway Partners’ CEO Suzette Noble.

Luis Jose Fernandez (center) poses with his Villa Restaurant Group team.

B-Celebrated is a peer-to-peer recognition program, with nominations submitted by fellow Terminal B colleagues. Submissions are reviewed quarterly by a rotating committee of terminal leaders from different companies; each B-Celebrated recipient receives a $500 gift card.

November 7, 2024