The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway. This transformation will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Lisa Studness Reifer was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, joining The New Terminal One following a 20-year career with JetBlue Airways. In her new role, she will lead The New Terminal One’s revenue portfolio and oversee the growth of airline and concession partners. Reifer was most recently head of finance and treasury with New York City-based JetBlue, where she oversaw investor relations, treasury, risk management, and infrastructure, properties and development. Prior to that role, she led various teams across JetBlue’s organization including strategy, legal and airport affairs.
Following the new leadership appointments, two-thirds of the New Terminal One leadership team are women leaders – aligning with the organization’s strong commitment to gender diversity.
“As our team advances beyond the developmental phase and gears up for operations for our scheduled opening in 2026, we are building upon our strong foundation of talent with the addition of Lisa and Varlin. We look forward to working with them to deliver a transformational international terminal for our guests and airline customers,” said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument.
HHM Hotels recently announced the promotion of Shawn Tuli to Chief Investment Officer. In this newly created role at HHM Hotels, Tuli will build on the company’s strength around investment, third-party growth, M&A, and overall capital allocation. Tuli has previously served HHM Hotels in a variety of impactful roles, ranging from leadership of corporate finance and accounting teams to building an investment growth platform.
Today, HHM Hotels is comprised of 240 hotels across North America, with roughly one-third lifestyle and independent, one-third resort and full-service, and one-third urban and select-service hotels. Further, HHM Hotels is now invested in over 30 hotels through joint venture partnerships and provides third-party management for 25 institutional owners including real estate investment trusts, leading private equity firms, and family offices. HHM Hotels is also now international with the addition of nearly 20 Canadian hotels to its portfolio.
According to HHM Hotels’ President & CEO, Naveen Kakarla, “For more than a decade, we have watched Shawn [Tuli] build a capable investment and acquisition team that is now a key differentiator for HHM Hotels in the industry.” Further, Kakarla shared, “He has a special quality that allows him to equally balance external and internal stakeholders and has tirelessly trained and developed multiple leaders within our business. Shawn has touched every transaction for HHM Hotels during his tenure with the organization and I look forward to our next work with his dynamic and growing team.”
Prior to HHM Hotels, Shawn earned a Bachelor of Science from Emory University, gained experience at Goldman Sachs, and then later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, and Shawn remains an avid traveler and family man combining their passions of adventure with his wife and four children.
With help from American Airlines Cargo, Lucy, a 16-year-old Bengal tiger, has been relocated from an Eco Park in Mendoza, Argentina to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, USA. The move is a result of the former Mendoza Zoo’s transition into an Eco Park, which has involved gradually relocating its animal residents to sanctuaries where they can begin new lives with their peers.
Lucy’s journey began with a truck ride covering approximately 750 miles from Mendoza to Ezeiza Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. The transportation process was carefully coordinated with Intermodal, the forwarder designated by the Mendoza Ministry of Energy and Environment, and American Airlines Cargo. The carrier ensured seamless communication between the teams at EZE, The Ark at JFK, the animal reception and handling terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), and ASAK Solutions, ensuring a safe trip for Lucy.
Lucy was the last tiger at the Mendoza Eco Park, having arrived there in 2011 as part of an animal exchange with another zoo in Buenos Aires. The Wildcat Sanctuary – an accredited, non-profit, privately funded sanctuary that provides a natural habitat for wild cats in need of a home – had previously accepted two lions from Mendoza in 2018. At that time, the import regulations for lions were more lenient than those for tigers, who are considered an endangered species. With the zoo’s closure and its new focus on animal rights, there was hope that Lucy and her companion, Violeta, could be placed in a suitable facility more quickly.
However, years later, The Wildcat Sanctuary learned that Lucy and Violeta were still at the Eco Park. The journey to arrange their transport involved three years of securing permits, navigating changing jurisdictions, and securing funding. Tragically, during this time, Violeta passed away, making staff even more determined to get Lucy to Minnesota.
On arrival in EZE, Lucy was flown on an American Airlines B787-8 for an 11-hour flight to JFK. Sanctuary staff, including a veterinarian, met her there ready for the final 1,200-mile onward drive to The Wildcat Sanctuary.
Lucy’s journey marks the second animal that American Airlines Cargo has helped rescue from Mendoza. In 2019, Sandra, a 33-year-old orangutan, was moved to a sanctuary in Florida after being granted the human rights necessary to make the journey. With support from the courts in Argentina, American facilitated her safe passage to the US, where she found a new home.
“It was an honor for American to provide our services to aid in Sandra’s relocation back in 2019 and we are just as proud to have been able to play our part in the re-homing of Lucy to a more suitable environment. Our teams worked in tandem with staff from the sanctuary team to make sure everything ran like clockwork and we look forward to following Lucy’s story,” said Indy Bolina, Head of Global Sales for American Airlines Cargo.
OTG Concessions Management, a leading player in the airport hospitality industry, announces a new selection of restaurants and menus inside Delta’s Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport.
In partnership with Delta, OTG offers travelers at LGA Terminal C a blend of innovative designs and restaurants that use unique, locally sourced ingredients. From modern Mediterranean to American traditions and a New York-inspired French Brasserie, each location captures the essence of its inspiration.
New openings at LGA Terminal C include:
Calista Taverna: Inspired by ancient Greek traditions, Calista embodies a modern Mediterranean style with open, natural designs using materials like wood, stone, and fibers that connect with nature. Handcrafted elements create an atmosphere reminiscent of Greece, where sharing food and drink with family and friends is a way of life. Guests can enjoy authentic favorites like Souvlaki, grape leaves, and Baklava, prepared in an open kitchen with a custom-made wood-burning grill. The full bar features local wines and signature cocktails, including the Santorini Garden and Herculean Effort, adding to the vibrant dining experience.
Calista Taverna
Prime: Driven by American tradition, Prime offers an atmosphere with a color palette of red wines, midnight blues, and soft pinks accented with brass. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts, savory lunches, and decadent dinners featuring prime cuts from award-winning Pat LaFrieda, like filet, NY strip, and ribeye, all expertly grilled for an unforgettable dining experience. To complement the meal, Prime also offers a selection of 34 wines available by the glass, befitting a classic steakhouse ambiance.
Prime
Soleil Brasserie: Inspired by France’s romanticism and light, Soleil Brasserie features an elegant design that evoke the charm of iconic French architecture. The inviting atmosphere offers casual dining and a bakery filled with decadent treats. Flavor-forward dishes evoke the French countryside like fresh salads, indulgent Truffle Pasta, and classic French steaks. Guests can also enjoy French-inspired cocktails such as the Chateau Fizz and Monet’s Garden, adding a refreshing twist to the dining experience.
Soleil Brasserie
The Grille: The Grille offers travelers a taste of classic American cuisine with a contemporary twist. Inspired by New York City’s green spaces, the design evokes the feeling of being in a flourishing outdoor garden, with seating influenced by iconic landmarks like the Flat Iron and Public Library, surrounded by plants to transport guests from the airport to Central Park or a rooftop garden. The menu features favorites like the Western Blue Ring Burger, Southern Belle Chicken Sandwich, and Garden Cobb Salad. The Grille also highlights three draft beers from NYC, including the Kills Boro Killsner German Pilsner, which pays homage to the German immigrants who navigated the waterways around Staten Island.
The Grille
Food Hall: The new Food Hall is the perfect spot for travelers on the go featuring a curated selection of restaurants in partnership with beloved local brands. Enjoy offerings from Brooklyn’s King David Tacos, the West Village’s Taïm, Artichoke from the East Village, Auntie Anne’s, Magnolia Bakery, Jamba, EggSactly, Trinity Burgers, Brooklyn’s Best Bagels, and Kombu, complimented by a CIBO Express Gourmet Market for a diverse and convenient dining experience.
Food Hall at LaGuardia Airport
OTG values partnerships with brands that resonate with the communities in which they operate. By collaborating with local businesses, OTG aims to support and reflect the unique culture and flavors of these areas, enhancing the travel experience for their guests. At LaGuardia Airport, partnerships with beloved local brands like H&H Bagels and Birch Coffee inside Rossi Pizzeria exemplify OTG’s commitment to bringing authentic, high-quality offerings to travelers. Through these collaborations, combined with OTG’s unique concepts, such as LGA’s Flatiron Tavern, OTG offers diverse dining options that celebrate and support their local communities.
“I bet no one would have imagined that LaGuardia Airport would become a hub of great food, creative cocktails, and top-flight restaurants, but that is today’s reality,” said Jeff Yablun, CEO of OTG Management. “When you walk through this beautiful airport, the smells coming from the restaurants will stun you and, literally, make you want to come to the airport early to grab a bite to eat. I want to thank our wonderful crewmembers who work day and night to make this experience so special for travelers.”
These new experiences follow the popularity of Sunday Supper, which brings the warmth of Italian American home cooking to travelers, and Bubby’s, a beloved New York City eatery known for its comfort food and homemade pies.
OTG develops and operates restaurants, retail markets, and food halls in airports throughout North America. With more than 350 locations across 22 terminals in 10 of the world’s busiest travel hubs, OTG continues to elevate the passenger-terminal relationship by merging state-of-the-art technology with farm-to-terminal dining, award-winning cuisine, carefully curated food and retail options, world-class hospitality, and a striking redesign of the terminal space. Founded in Philadelphia in 1996, OTG serves hundreds of millions of passengers annually.
On Friday, Oct. 25, Metropolitan Airport News had the pleasure of being asked by New Terminal One (NTO) and the JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce to participate in an engaging and informative discussion about the progress being made at NTO.
Our Editor-In-Chief, Julia Lauria-Blum, moderated a fireside chat with Jennifer Aument, CEO of NTO, in front of a sold-out audience at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, where Jennifer shared her personal experiences relocating to New York and the goals for the project before the new terminal opens to the public in 2026.
JetBlue has officially launched service from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), further expanding its footprint across New York. Starting today, JetBlue is flying daily from Long Island to Orlando and 4 times weekly to West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Long Islanders can now enjoy the signature JetBlue experience when flying to top vacation destinations without the commute.
“We are delighted to bring the long-awaited JetBlue experience to Long Island,” said Daniel Shurz, head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning at JetBlue. “These flights are a testament to JetBlue’s loyal customer base on Long Island who have frequently traveled to New York’s other airports to fly JetBlue. Customers no longer have to choose between the convenience of their local airport and the comfort, connectivity and customer service they enjoy with JetBlue.”
“With JetBlue beginning flights from Islip to Orlando, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Long Islanders have more convenient service to Florida and our local economy will benefit with new jobs and increased tourism,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “I’ve long encouraged JetBlue to start and expand service at MacArthur because Long Islanders deserve increased travel options, and the success of the airport is key to a more vibrant Long Island economy. Under the stewardship of Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken, the airport has soared to greater heights, and I applaud JetBlue, New York’s Hometown Airline, for launching this new service for Long Islanders.”
“I applaud the introduction of JetBlue service from MacArthur Airport, which will bring more travel options and convenience to Long Islanders,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “Expanding these routes supports our community by increasing access to flights and driving economic growth.”
“JetBlue’s announcement is fantastic news for Long Island families and businesses. With more convenient travel options, this development strengthens our local economy and provides even greater access to destinations across the country,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01). “I’m proud to see our region growing as a transportation hub, making it easier for residents to connect with the people and places that matter most.”
“This JetBlue inaugural flight to Orlando is what dreams are made of. Long Islanders are passionate about JetBlue and have been asking for the airline to serve Islip’s MacArthur Airport for years. Today, those wishes would come true,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue – New York’s Hometown Airline to ISP – Long Island’s Hometown Airport.”
Archer Aviation Inc. provided commentary on the much anticipated FAA release of the final powered-lift Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) which is the key operational piece of the regulatory puzzle for Archer and the rest of the industry to be able to firm up their plans for safely commercializing eVTOL in the U.S. The SFAR comes ahead of schedule, incorporates key feedback from across the industry, and is yet another signal that the U.S. is leading the way in commercializing eVTOL aircraft.
After an initial review of the comprehensive final ruling, it’s clear the regulations laid out in the FAA’s SFAR align strongly with Archer’s planned approach to commercial operations, pilot training and its Midnight aircraft’s operational capabilities providing the company with a more definitive path to commercialization.
Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer said, “We applaud the FAA on the release of the SFAR ahead of schedule as it represents a tremendous milestone for our country and the eVTOL industry. Now, Archer has a clear roadmap to pioneer eVTOL here in the U.S. Our team is full speed ahead in our ongoing partnership with the FAA as we work towards commercialization as soon as possible.”
Billy Nolen, Chief Regulatory Officer at Archer and former FAA Administrator said, “The FAA continues to collaborate effectively with our industry to apply feedback and provide a clear path to market that ensures the safe entry into service of eVTOL aircraft in the national airspace. Today is a big moment for the FAA, our industry and Archer as it signals the U.S.’s strong commitment to maintaining our global leadership in aerospace innovation.”
Archer’s team will continue to work with the FAA to develop its operational plans to align to the final SFAR as the company gears up to be one of the first to pioneer eVTOL aircraft operations here in the U.S.
The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport and airport security screening systems specialist K2 Security Screening Group are pleased to announce a partnership to build a large state-of-the-art passenger screening checkpoint at the new global gateway for New York and the nation.
The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway. This transformation will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the New Terminal One will offer an exceptional customer experience, leveraging state-of-the-art technology. To create a seamless and efficient customer journey, the New Terminal One and K2 will work closely with the Transportation Security Administration and screening technology providers, including Analogic, Rohde & Schwarz, CEIA, and Leidos, to design and develop the security checkpoint.
The new checkpoint will feature Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners that produce high-quality 3-D images. This will reduce the need to touch or manually check bags and enable travelers to move faster through screening lanes while ensuring that security remains a foremost priority.
K2 will also install enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) that uses millimeter wave technology to detect metallic and non-metallic objects concealed in layers of clothing or on the body. The eAIT allows for the screening of multiple travelers simultaneously, increasing the efficiency of the screening process.
Additionally, K2 will integrate Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to validate the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credential and identify individuals who may require additional screening. The second-generation CAT-2 systems provide automated identity verification with an embedded camera for biometric and self-service capabilities.
“At The New Terminal One, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of safety and unmatched convenience for passengers,” said The New Terminal One Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Aument. “Developing our new state-of-the-art security checkpoint with industry experts K2 will allow us to provide travelers with the safest, most efficient experience when they fly out of our terminal.”
“K2 is eager to collaborate with the JFK New Terminal One team on this pivotal project, which will significantly enhance the passenger experience by streamlining the screening process. We are excited to contribute to New Terminal One’s vision by developing a world-class security checkpoint and helping deliver exceptional services for all passengers,” said Kathy Yurkunas, K2 Security Screening Group President.
The New Terminal One’s Phase A, scheduled to open in 2026, will comprise expansive departures, arrivals halls, and the first 14 widebody aircraft gates. Scheduled for full completion in 2030, the 2.6 million square feet terminal will offer 23 gates, of which 22 will be equipped for widebody aircraft. The New Terminal One will replace the existing Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3, handling anticipated traffic of more than 16 million passengers in 2030.
The E-Freighter, Embraer’s E190F has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Embraer’s passenger-to-freighter conversion and the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, received the certification of FAA in September 2024. In July, the E-Freighter was certified by the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), and EASA certification is due later this year. The aircraft was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models.
The E190F program was launched in May 2022 to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations, driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to regional markets. The E-Freighter made its debut flight in April and its first public appearance during the Farnborough Airshow in July.
“FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion program. We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved in the market to meet the growing demand globally for faster deliveries, not just to metro areas but to all regions. With our E-Jet footprint across the US and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world”, said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F.
Philippine Airlines and The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) have announced a partnership for the airline to operate out of the new world-class terminal, transforming the experience for Philippine Airlines customers traveling to New York City.
The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway. This transformation will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Philippine Airlines operates three-weekly flights to Manila from JFK Airport on Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering convenient nonstop service from New York, home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the United States. Currently operating at the existing Terminal 1 at JFK Airport, Philippine Airlines will transition its operations to the New Terminal One and unveil an elevated customer experience for its passengers traveling to and from the Big Apple.
Offering state-of-the-art technology and a world-class dining and retail experience with a sense of place unique to New York, the New Terminal One will be the nation’s new front door at JFK Airport, which has long welcomed the most international passengers to the United States. With today’s announcement, Philippine Airlines becomes the first Southeast Asian airline to commit to operations at the New Terminal One, strengthening the terminal’s growing global network.
“We are delighted to welcome Philippine Airlines to our growing family of airlines at the New Terminal One,” said Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer, The New Terminal One at JFK. “Our teams share a strong commitment to customer service, and we look forward to working together to elevate the curb-to-gate experience for Philippine Airlines customers flying to and from New York.”
“This partnership with the New Terminal One marks a pivotal moment for Philippine Airlines. This alliance allows us to enhance our service and elevate the travel experience for our passengers. We stay committed to creating a seamless and memorable journey, reflecting our dedication to excellence in every flight,” PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng said.
With today’s announcement, Philippine Airlines will become the 10th airline to partner with the new Terminal One. Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, and Neos have also committed to operating at the New Terminal One. In addition, Air China is collaborating with the terminal to elevate the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York.
Scheduled to open in phases from 2026, the New Terminal One will be the largest terminal at JFK Airport when complete, offering 2.6 million square feet of space over a footprint that will include the existing Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3.
