JFK’s Terminal 8 to Get Upgraded Food and Shopping Hall

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have announced a $125-million commercial redevelopment program for Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (rendering above). The project features a new great hall and will bring more than 60 new shopping and restaurant offerings to the terminal.

Following the recent completion of a $400-million expansion of Terminal 8, the commercial redevelopment will include a redesign and expansion of the concessions program, including new dining, retail, duty-free shopping, performance space and new digitally enabled experiences for customers.

“Visitors from around the world will get their first taste of what our region has to offer as soon as they step into JFK’s Terminal 8, which, like all of our new airport terminals, will feature a wide range of local dining and shops,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Local businesses help us create a sense of place unique to the region.”

The redevelopment of Terminal 8’s retail and food options will lay emphasis on local food purveyors and sustainability. There will also be a focus on “affordable” food options for travelers.

The commercial development of Terminal 8 is part of “The JFK Vision Plan” to “completely modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure” at the airport. This includes a $9.5-billion development of a new Terminal 1 which broke ground in September of 2022. The plan also includes a $1.5-billion expansion of Terminal 4, now under construction led by Delta Air Lines. A new $4.2-billion Terminal 6 will connect with Terminal 5, which broke ground in February. The modernization of Terminal 8 is a $400-million project led by American Airlines and British Airways and was completed in November 2022.

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United Club Opens at Newark’s New Terminal A

This week, United Airlines opened a United Club location in the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), marking the first of four airport lounges to open in the terminal. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the operational opening of the $2.7-billion new Terminal A at Newark Liberty earlier this year.

United Club, a 15,000-square-foot space located near gate A27, features a modern, locally inspired design and upgraded amenities, as well as ample space with more than 300 seats, plenty of recliners, couches and chairs across spaces for lounging, working, dining and socializing. 

In addition to its modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology, the United Club location in Newark also features a wellness room to provide a space of comfort for nursing parents or travelers looking to meditate or pray.  

The three other clubs at Terminal AAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, American Express Centurion Lounge and Delta Air Lines Sky Clubare expected to open later this year.  

Air Canada Opens Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO

rendering of people at outdoor space at airport terminal

Air Canada has opened its brand-new Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the airline’s 28th lounge worldwide, and its third Maple Leaf Lounge in the U.S.

In addition to the range of services and amenities, the airline’s Maple Leaf Lounges are known for, the newest Lounge features an expansive outdoor terrace with aircraft and runway views. The 165-seat, 8,168-square-foot (761 sq. m.) airport retreat elevates Air Canada’s flight and airport experience for customers travelling from California to Canada or through to Europe, Asia and Australia via three of the airline’s main hubs: Toronto Pearson International Airports (YYZ), Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

The new lounge features premium food and drink options including an emphasis on local coastal foods and wines. Local craft beers, a curated cocktail menu and espresso are also available.

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Showers are also available with heated towel racks.

Air Canada has also re-introduced Newark Liberty International Airport to its roster of lounges with the opening of the new United ClubSM location in Newark Terminal A. In this new location, Air Canada will be uniquely co-located within the United Club, offering a dedicated Air Canada customer service desk and an access policy consistent with Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges.

Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges, including San Francisco and the new United ClubSM in Newark Terminal A, are available to Air Canada customers who are Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Aeroplan Super Elite Status members, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and customers departing on a business class ticket with Air Canada or another Star Alliance member.

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