b'TERMINALSJFK 17Specific objectives for the comprehensive Vision Plan 2017 are: The Port Authority had a fantastic plan, and creating a more unified, interconnected terminal layout,everybody worked hand-in-hand to really give simplifying the on-airport roadway network,a first-class international airport experience,airside improvements to reduce ground delays,says Steven Giordano, project managerincreasing capacity of the AirTrain people mover system,at Arora Engineers. As a subconsultant to AECOM, Arora provided lead engineeringimproving roadway access, anddesign services for mechanical, electrical,developing state-of-the-art cargo facilities,plumbing, fire/life safety and special systemscentralizing parking facilities, andfrom 30% conceptual design throughSTEVEN GIORDANO ensuring world-class amenities the 100% implementation document phase. It also provided Thats a tall order to fill while continuing to operate as the 13thconstruction support services throughout the project.busiest airport in the United States and the busiest North AmericanThe project included 70,400 square feet of new space and gateway for international passengers. Last year alone, JFK served57,500 square feet of refurbished space, for a total footprint of more than 55 million annual passengers, with service from more127,900 square feet of new and modernized space within Terminal than 100 airlines. Having originally opened in 1948, many of the8. Giordano notes that ensuring redundancy throughout the airports structures and facilities are dated, congested and, in manycampus was critical to PANYNJ officials, so engineers focused on ways, obsolete. Heitmann and other PANYNJ officials acknowledgethe electrical substations to meet those requirements. Because the that many gates are too small for the current aircraft fleet, terminalsproject combined new and renovated space, the early workshops are overcrowded at peak times, and passengers experience longwere especially critical to determine what systems would be walks, complex paths and unclear wayfinding in some areas. Inreplaced and what could still be used.addition, there is limited resiliency in case of system failure, lack of network capacity, the baggage handling system is dated, andUpgraded Amenitiesroadways lack capacityall contributing to a less-than-optimalHeitmann notes that the recent redevelopment adds new premium customer experience. Those are trouble spots we wanted tolounges for both American Airlines and British Airways passengers. address in this expansion, says Heitmann, noting that severalA co-branded premium check-in area provides personalized of JFKs original terminals outlived their useful life. Interestingly,concierge-style service for top-tier guests, replacing American terminals are numbered 1 to 8, but Terminal 3 was demolished inAirlines former Flagship First check-in space. Three distinctive 2014 to make way for a New Terminal 1, and the original Terminal 6lounges are designed to combine the best of the British Airlines and was demolished in 2011 as part of the Terminal 5 expansion. American Airlines brands with New York flair. The facilities are even named after famous New York neighborhoods: The Chelsea Lounge, Leading the Charge The Soho Lounge and The Greenwich Lounge.The sweeping redevelopment of Terminal 8 is the first piece of theThe heavy emphasis on creating a satisfying customer puzzle to realigning and rebuilding JFKs entire campus. The $400experience extends well beyond the new premium lounges. million, privately financed project was completed in November 2022,Heitmann explains that the planning team followed the passenger allowing British Airways to colocate with its OneWorld partner,journey from curb to plane and back again to make sure that American Airlines. That means passengers no longer have to transferthe experience in Terminal 8 reflects the latest expectations. terminals to catch connecting flights between the two airlines, whichThat includes clear signage and intuitive wayfinding, properly facilitates hourly service between JFK and Heathrow Airport insized holdrooms with plenty of charging stations and upgraded London. Six other partner carriers are expected to operate from therestrooms, he specifies. Along with signage upgrades, the new terminal.architecture and layout of the building guide passengers through Terminal 7, British Airways former home at JFK, will eventuallythe facility in a much more efficient way.be demolished to make way for the new Terminal 6. As part of the vision and planning exercises that preceded the program, PANYNJ leadership established a set of specific criteria for creating what they deemed to be a world-class facility. Right-sizing passenger pathsfrom roadways, check-in facilities and security, to concessions, holdrooms, lounges and gateswas top of the list, as all were undersized and outdated. Weve worked hard, and American Airlines has worked hard, to achieve those goals, says Heitmann of the recent Terminal 8 transformation. Early in the design process, workshops with the project architect, construction firm and lead design engineer helped ensure that program plans would meet the needs of PANYNJ, AmericanThree premium lounges were added for top-tier passengers on Airlines and other tenants.American Airlines and British Airways.AirportImprovement.comJuly | August 2023'