Air China has entered into a strategic partnership with The New Terminal One at JFK Airport, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for Chinese visitors to the United States. This collaboration is part of the broader $19 billion redevelopment initiative by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to transform JFK into a major global hub. The new terminal, which is expected to begin operations in 2026, will serve as a significant entry point for international travelers, especially those from the Asia Pacific region.
Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are honored to collaborate with our colleagues at Air China to jointly deliver an extraordinary travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York. Service to the Asia Pacific region is a strong priority for us and we are delighted to learn from Air China as we position ourselves to be the international terminal of choice for Chinese travelers to New York.”
Zhiyong Wang, General Manager of Air China New York, also highlighted the importance of the New York market for the airline: “New York is one of our most important markets globally and we are committed to offering our customers a world-class travel experience when they fly to the Big Apple. Our partnership with The New Terminal One will create mutual benefits as we continue to evaluate our growth in this key market.”
The New Terminal One, which will be located on the south side of JFK Airport, is set to be the largest international terminal there, boasting a 2.4 million square foot area and 23 gates. This expansive new facility is part of a phased construction effort, with the initial phase expected to open in June 2026. The project’s ambitious design and service goals include achieving a Top 5 Skytrax ranking, setting a new standard for airport terminals worldwide.
The consortium leading this transformative project includes notable names such as Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle, with a commitment to sustainability and local community involvement. The project aims for 30% participation from minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% from local businesses, and 3% from service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Several international carriers have already committed to operating out of The New Terminal One, including Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, and Air Serbia, positioning JFK to compete with the world’s most esteemed airport terminals.