Delta to expand at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport

Delta airlines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal LLC (JFKIAT) unveiled plans for the enhancement and expansion of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The $1.2 billion project will create a state-of-the-art facility for New York's fastest growing global airline.

Terminal 4 Improvements and Customer Benefits

Currently, Delta operates predominantly out of Terminal 2 for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international service. The expansion of Terminal 4 – which has been successfully managed by JFKIAT for over a decade – will replace the outdated Terminal 3 facilities to enhance the customer experience for the 11 million passengers Delta serves at JFK annually. Delta anticipates that customers will experience an improvement in operational performance through dual taxiways, resulting in reduced taxi times and better on-time performance. Delta is also upgrading its inter-terminal passenger connectors between Terminals 2 and 4 for faster transit between the facilities. Delta customers will further benefit from the airline's ability to continue expanding its international network, which currently includes non-stop service to 94 destinations from JFK and more than 1,200 weekly departures. International service includes non-stop service to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, with new service being offered to Tokyo, Tel Aviv and Iceland among other destinations.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2010, with anticipated completion of phase one and relocation of Delta's Terminal 3 operations to Terminal 4 in May 2013. Delta's JFK terminal project includes the expansion of Concourse B at Terminal 4, with nine new international gates; the construction of a passenger connector between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4; expanded areas for baggage claim and Customs and Border Protection; and the demolition of Terminal 3 in May 2015. The Terminal 3 site will then be used for aircraft parking.

"The newly expanded and enhanced Terminal 4, one of many substantial investments we're making in New York, will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees and the city of New York for decades to come," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Following a multi-year effort, we are very pleased to have reached a decision with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and Schiphol USA. This plan allows us to move forward with the enhancement of our JFK hub, one that will showcase modern, welcoming facilities and meet the needs of the world's most competitive and largest aviation market."
"Ensuring reliable air transportation to and from New York City is crucial to strengthening our economy. And the decision by Delta Air Lines to expand its international terminal at Kennedy Airport will make it easier for even more people to travel to this city in the coming years," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "Not only will this $1.2 billion project cement New York City's status as the nation's top travel destination, it will also create an additional 10,000 jobs over the next three years."

"This Delta-Port Authority announcement launches a billion dollar expanded and enhanced facility for JFK that will create new jobs and a state-of-the-art portal to the world's greatest city," said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. "JFK is the gateway to New York City. And with Delta flying non-stop to five continents, this new facility will enable travelers to fly to and from our great city with ease and comfort. Terminal 4 will greatly improve traveling for New Yorkers – and travelers across the globe – and showcase New York as the transportation hub of not only the nation, but the world."