Airport News
JetBlue Airways broke ground yesterday (1 October) on a Gensler-designed addition to Terminal 5 (T5) at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. Slated to open in 2015, the international arrivals terminal will offer passengers a clear, modern environment that will streamline the travel experience. The space will be a seamless extension of T5 (which opened in 2008), and will be built in collaboration with Arup, Turner Construction and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The 145,000ft2 extension includes the conversion of three existing gates to international swing gates, and the addition of three new international swing gates. Further, the international arrivals terminal will include a new security checkpoint, an immigration hall, five new holdrooms and two new baggage claims.
“Breaking ground on our international arrivals terminal at JFK is truly a groundbreaking occasion for JetBlue,” said JetBlue president and CEO, Dave Barger. “We’re excited to work with all of our partners at JFK and beyond to move forward with this project which, when completed, will improve the overall experience for our international customers and consolidate our flight operations under one roof.”
Gensler’s principal Bill Hooper added, “We designed the international arrivals terminal to welcome people to New York, greeting them with natural daylight and a view outside. Our goal is to put passengers first by making it fast and easy for people to get where they want to be.”
Guided by JetBlue’s identity as a high-value carrier dedicated to bringing humanity back to air travel, Gensler’s design includes many passenger-friendly design elements for which T5 is known, including splashes of bold colour; abundant natural daylight and views to the outside; and both lounge-like and traditional seating at gates, with access to ample electrical outlets. Additional passenger amenities will include free Wi-Fi throughout, customer service zones in every concourse and even food ordering capability at the gates.
