American Airlines Terminal at JFK International Airport

Client: American Airlines

Project location: Jamaica, New York

Project cost: $1.3 billion

DMJM Harris provided the final design of a new $1.3-billion terminal at JFK International Airport. The new 2.2-million-square-foot American Airlines terminal will also house American Eagle and other carriers on a 42-acre site behind the existing terminals. The 55 gates include 38 for all types of large jets, (including the newest Boeing 777 operated by American and other carriers), and 18 gates with covered jet bridges for regional jets operated by American Eagle. The terminal will be constructed in 17 phases to allow continued operations at JFK. At least 1,000 construction jobs will be created by the project.

The new terminal will be American's gateway to the United States, and will be the firm's largest non-aircraft asset. The finished terminal will have three primary levels: one for arrivals and baggage handling; one for departures; and one for clubs, lounges, and offices. There will be a new two-level roadway to provide separation between arrivals and departures, each level with 1,200 linear feet of curb space. There will be 24 curbside check-in positions and 200 check-in positions at the main ticket counter—all with takeaway belts for baggage. The 200 interior positions will be arranged in four check-in islands and two L- shaped rows of counters along the sides of the ticketing lobby.