USA. British Airways is promising an immersive retail environment and a range of food & beverage outlets inspired by New York’s street food scene at the redesigned New York John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 7.
The airline said it had an agreement with existing operator Duty Free Americas to run the duty free areas, and also had agreements with SSP, Hudson and Travelex for retail and restaurant offerings at the terminal.
The £52 million (US$65 million) revamp is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018. The airline said its plan was to create a modern check-in concourse with a separate Club World and First area, “designed with customer privacy in mind”. The space will draw inspiration from The First Wing which recently opened at Heathrow Terminal 5 and the new premium check-in area at Gatwick’s South Terminal.
A range of local food & beverage concepts will be introduced as British Airways seeks to create “an authentic New York culinary experience”. It will combine classic American comfort food including burgers and gourmet sandwiches using premium ingredients with Japanese dishes made to order.
The passenger lounges for business class, first class and Gold and Silver Executive Club card holders will be remodelled, with more space and restaurant-style pre-flight dining available, the airline said. The Concorde Room, which is available for First customers, will also undergo a refresh.
“We are currently working behind-the-scenes with top architects and designers to create a beautiful new space for our customers to relax, dine and work in before they take off,” said British Airways Head of Customer Abigail Comber.
“The new environment at Terminal 7 is designed for our customers to enjoy a smoother, faster and more relaxed airport experience. This will involve significantly increasing the number of people we can seat for in-flight dining, re-styling the space and adding new lighting, bars and furniture.
“We recently opened our new lounge at Boston and next year we’ll be turning our attention to Aberdeen and Rome. Geneva will also be expanded and further investment is planned in San Francisco, Chicago, Johannesburg and Manchester.”
