GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW TERMINAL 1 AT NEW YORK JFK

New York JFK's new Terminal 1 is a step closer to reality this morning after The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's decision to enter into a lease agreement with the New Terminal One Team to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain the new facility.

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"The Port Authority's board authorisation enables the delivery of a world-class terminal to progress Governor Cuomo's Vision for JFK and drive New York State's nation-leading MWBE participation for the Project beyond USD 1 billion," enthused Dr Gerrard Bushell, executive chair of The New Terminal One. 

"The authorisation also supports progression of a multi-year commitment to community development in Southeast Queens, and an increase in the number of local jobs, educational programmes and small business capacity building."

The New Terminal One is led by an innovative coalition of airlines, labour, minority and women-owned businesses (MWBE), and strong operating and financial partners including The Carlyle Group and CAG Holdings, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico and Reach Airports – a joint venture between Munich Airport International and CAG Holdings.

According to PANYNJ, the state-of-the-art 23-gate facility will reimagine the international passenger experience at JFK and span the sites of the current Terminal One, Terminal 2 and the former Terminal 3. 

Construction is slated to begin in early 2020 and conclude at the end of 2025, with phased openings to ensure uninterrupted gate capacity and a seamless transition. 

The Terminal One Group Association (TOGA), comprised of Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and Lufthansa, will continue to operate and maintain the existing Terminal One until completion of the first phase of The New Terminal One.

The New Terminal One Team is committed to local inclusion and labour participation with an industry-leading focus on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including a 30% MWBE participation goal. 

Early progress towards this commitment has been demonstrated by key contracts with local MWBE firms including A.B. Engineering PC and ZI Engineering PC for structural engineering services, JT Hicks Associates for surveying services, and Jamaica, NY-based architectural firm, RCGA Architects, for design services. 

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In addition, McKissack & McKissack, the nation's oldest African-American design and construction firm, is providing project management oversight services. 

"Today's decision is a major step by the Port Authority towards realising the promise of good jobs for hard working Queens and regional residents," noted Edward Smith, CEO of Ullico.