JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) to build and operate the new $4.2 billion Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport — part of the PANYNJ’s broader $19 billion redevelopment of JFK airport, and Materna IPS, a leading supplier of automated passenger handling solutions for airlines and airports worldwide, today announced that Materna IPS will provide its state-of-the-art hybrid self-service bag drop (SSBD) equipment for the new Terminal 6, representing one of the largest and most extensive self-bag drop installations in the United States and for Materna IPS in the Americas.
Materna’s new Flex.Go hybrid bag drop system will make its JFK debut at the new Terminal 6 when it opens to passengers in 2026. It is also currently in use at the five largest U.S. airports and in numerous airports overseas. Terminal 6 will deploy the new Materna system throughout its check-in area as a replacement for traditional check-in positions. The biometric-enabled equipment will allow airline passengers1 to verify their identification2 , drop their bags on the belt and go in less than 30 seconds. For passengers needing additional assistance or airlines who are not yet biometric-ready in the United States, airline staff can also operate the Materna systems – making their hybrid capability ideal.
“The Materna system perfectly aligns with our goal to create a state-of-the-art terminal that is digital first — while also offering our guests choice,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “While some guests may prefer to utilize the self-service bag drop option, with its multiple languages and overall ease of use – others may still want support from an agent. The ability to offer our guests both options in an elevated check-in experience is what we’re most excited about,” Thody added.
Gary McDonald, President of Materna IPS Americas, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with JFK Millennium Partners and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey at such an exciting time in the airport’s history to bring the best in innovation to their passengers, airline partners, and agents. Materna IPS is already known throughout the international aviation community, and we have delivered multiple notable projects throughout the U.S. To be awarded this contract at JFK Terminal 6 is the icing on the cake. We are so excited for JFK’s future and look forward to celebrating new milestones with this legendary airport.”
1 Depending on the airline; not every airline is currently equipped to offer biometric services.
2 Driver’s license or passport
