49 AirportImprovement.com September 2026 CONCESSIONS JFK Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we’ve done at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A, at LaGuardia Airport and now at JFK, the Port Authority is making historic investments with our private partners to create a passenger experience that will be among the best in the world.” Post-COVID and not long after the investments made by American Airlines in 2022, Carter says the time was right to redevelop and modernize Terminal 8’s concessions program. “We had an opportunity to right-size the program based on the number of enplanements, but also refresh the national brands and the incredible products that are available here in New York and really make this program shine.” Project designers more than doubled the commercial footprint by identifying and activating previously vacant or underutilized spaces and converting them into retail and dining areas. “We really wanted to make sure that we were maximizing the potential of this building by converting every square inch that we were able to capture,” Carter says. “We were fortunate enough to have great partners in American Airlines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who shared the vision for what this terminal was capable of.” The Ideal Blend Amplifying the sense of place was emphasized throughout the program redevelopment, and the project team also worked to provide passengers with variety as well as familiar favorites. Terminal 8 now features a blend of national and local brands. Highlights include the first U.S. airport locations for Eataly and Peach Palace by Momofuku, as well as New York staples like Bowery FACTS&FIGURES Project: Comprehensive Commercial Redevelopment Location: John F. Kennedy International Airport, in Queens, NY Terminal: 8 Airport Owner: City of New York Airport Operator: Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Terminal Operator: American Airlines Terminal/Commercial Management: ASUR Airports Equity Partner: Phoenix Infrastructure Group Key Benefit: Enhancing the passenger experience Scope: 60+ new food/beverage, retail & experiential concepts Footprint Expansion: From 7,000 sq. ft. to 16,000 sq. ft. Budget: $125 million Completion: April 2026 Programs to Broaden Business Participation: ASUR Accelerator Program; Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions Lead Developer: ASUR Airports Contractor: Holt Construction Food Hall Joint Venture: MERA US, Tsion Enterprises, Food Cycle LLC, South River Partners Duty-free Operator: Avolta North America (Dufry) Digital Activation: The Show Screen Size: 13 ft. wide, 7 ft. tall Architect: Mancini Duffy Audio-Visual Designer: WJHW, a PMY Group company Technology Advisors: PMY Group System Integrator: Norcon Communications
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