British Airways and American Airlines have announced plans to launch joint operations at New York’s JFK airport next year.

BA currently operates flights from Terminal 7 but will move to the airport’s Terminal 8 on Dec 1, 2022.

This comes as new renderings of the redevelopment have been released, showcasing a US$400 million investment to expand and enhance Terminal 8.

The two carriers had already started on the redevelopment project in January 2020, breaking ground on five new widebody gates, four new widebody hardstand parking positions, an enhanced baggage handling system, new customer amenities and expanded premium guest offerings including over 12,000 sqm of new and renovated terminal space.

The new renderings show that, once complete in December 2022, Terminal 8 will feature a co-branded premium check-in area, replacing AA’s former Flagship First check-in area, along with a new check-in area for business class customers.

Once through security, there will be three custom lounges with “high-end finishes” which will offer a “refined, welcoming preflight experience for select guests based on cabin of travel and loyalty programme status”. The lounges will offer seating for approximately 1,000 customers.

The most exclusive lounge will have a new Champagne bar, fireside lounge and à la carte dining room, while an adjacent premium lounge will feature airside views, a wine bar, cocktail lounge, library and buffet.

Meanwhile, American’s Flagship Lounge and Concourse B Admirals Club will be repurposed into a unified lounge for eligible business class customers.

The Concourse C Admirals Club will continue to serve members, qualifying elite customers and those travelling on eligible itineraries, according to British Airways.

AA’s chief customer officer Alison Taylor commented:

“American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK. Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.”

Tom Stevens, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, added:

“New York holds a special place in our heart as one of our most well-loved and important destinations. Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with American Airlines.”

Note that American’s Flagship First Check-in at JFK will close from February 1 for construction, and premium customers will be directed to temporary check-in counters located nearby. All lounge spaces, however, will remain open during the redevelopment project.

BA says that, in the meantime, it “will continue to provide a world-class experience” at JFK’s Terminal 7.

British Airways and American Airlines are set to offer up to 14 peak daily departures between JFK and London Heathrow airport this summer.