Hundreds of Union Construction Workers
Watch Final Beam of Structural Steel Lifted into Place at New
$4.2 Billion Terminal that will
Anchor the Airport's North Side when First Phase Opens in
2026
Terminal 6 Development is Creating More
Than 4,000 Jobs, Including 1,800 Union Jobs
Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts
and Financing Interests; Extensive Opportunities for Local
Businesses and Job Seekers Guided by Community Advisory
Council
Terminal 6 to Offer World-Class Passenger
Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art
Security and Streamlined Roadway Access
Video of the Ceremony Available
on YouTube
QUEENS,
N.Y., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor
Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, the
consortium building a new Terminal 6, today celebrated a key
milestone in the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport, where members
of organized labor hoisted into position the final piece of
structural steel for the first phase of the 1.2 million square-foot
terminal. The state-of-the-art terminal will feature expansive,
naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, inspiring
public art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the
customer experience, making it a critical piece of the Port
Authority's $19 billion
transformation of JFK into a world-class global gateway.
A tradition in major infrastructure works, the topping-out
ceremony commemorated the tremendous efforts of construction
professionals and the men and women of organized labor to maintain
safe and on-time construction. Terminal 6 is scheduled to open in
phases, beginning with the completion of the arrivals and
departures hall and the first five gates in 2026. The second phase,
including five additional gates, will open in 2028, completing the
terminal. Terminal 6 construction is creating 4,000 jobs, including
1,800 union jobs in construction.
"Today marks a major milestone in the transformation of JFK
International that will set a new standard for travel in
New York," Governor Hochul
said. "This state-of-the-art development would not have
been possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I
look forward to continuing our work with them to build a more
efficient, interconnected New
York."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick
Cotton, Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford, JMP Board Chair George Casey, JMP CEO Steve Thody, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty, as well as U.S. Rep.
Gregory Meeks, Queens Borough
President Donovan Richards Jr., and
Gary LaBarbera, the president of the
Executive Board for the New York Building Trades, joined the
governor today to sign the beam before it was raised.
The final beam is adorned with an American flag and an evergreen
tree, symbolizing good luck and continued safe construction and
operations. It bears the signature of hundreds of partners,
employees, and stakeholders who are contributing to the development
of the new Terminal 6.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin
O'Toole said, "Throughout history, our region has
been the nation's front door to the world. Finally, with the
transformation of JFK International, it will become the airport
that it was always destined to be -- a state-of-the-art global
gateway that tells visitors they've arrived in the greatest region
of the nation. At JFK, at LaGuardia Airport and at Newark Liberty
International, we are making historic investments in the future of
our region."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "Today's topping-off
ceremony comes as we near the mid-point of this historic
$19 billion project to transform JFK
into what will soon be one of the world's great airports. Just
seven years ago when we unveiled our JFK Vision Plan, few people
believed we could build a new world-class airport while maintaining
full flight operations and managing record passenger volumes. But
seeing is believing. And in just a couple of years, travelers will
experience a beautiful and efficient new airport with a uniquely
New York sense of
place."
Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey
Lynford said, "Watching this final
steel beam lifted into place at Terminal 6 shows just how far we
have come toward completing our vision of transforming JFK
International into one of the finest airports in the world. We are
one step closer to creating the global gateway New York deserves, where we will provide a
world-class and inclusive customer experience for all travelers,
regardless of their needs."
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
said, "The final steel beam being lifted at Terminal 6
signifies another tangible step towards our vision of a major
redevelopment project that benefits all communities. By investing
in JFK International Airport's transformation into a premier global
gateway to the world, we have catalyzed more economic growth in the
Queens community. Terminal 6 will
create thousands of new jobs and life-changing opportunities for
local, diverse small businesses. Through this public-private
partnership, we will deliver a world-class, seamless experience for
travelers and their families worthy of the great state of
New York. As the JFK Redevelopment
Council Co-Chair, I look forward to working with our partners to
continue translating this investment into real economic and
educational benefits for our community."
Queens Borough President Donovan
Richards Jr. said, "No longer just a proposal, the
$19 billion redevelopment of Kennedy
Airport is taking shape right before our eyes. From creating
thousands of good-paying jobs to countless concession opportunities
for Queens-based businesses to
historic MWBE participation, Terminal 6's transformation is a
microcosm of the immense economic opportunity the airport's
redevelopment presents our borough, city and state. It's an honor
to help move this project forward in my role as co-chair of the JFK
Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, and I applaud everyone
who made this day possible — including our brothers and sisters in
union labor working to build this beautiful new terminal."
Gary LaBarbera, President of
the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New
York said, "The topping out of JFK's
brand new and fully modernized Terminal 6 represents a milestone of
yet another key development project that not only created thousands
of family-sustaining union careers for hardworking New Yorkers, but
also acted as a catalyst for further economic growth. We
congratulate Governor Hochul for seeing yet another one of these
major projects through to its completion and applaud our dedicated
and skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who played such a major role
in getting this across the finish line, while having the
opportunity to pursue the middle class. This new terminal will
improve the lives of countless New Yorkers, along with our
visitors, through its state-of-the-art offerings and the economic
stimulus it generates."
George Casey, Board Chair, JFK
Millennium Partners, and Chair and CEO, Vantage Group,
said, "Today's milestone reflects the hard work,
tremendous talent, and enduring commitment of hundreds of people to
create a new JFK T6, from the early days of planning and
engagement, through financial close, ground-breaking, and
construction, to today's steel topping-off. Few developments can
match the transformation of JFK International Airport in scale,
scope, and complexity. Together with our partners, we're honored to
be delivering an extraordinary Terminal 6 – one that will provide
significant benefits to the local community, transform the guest
experience, and help bring to life Governor Hochul's vision of a
whole new JFK."
Steve Thody, CEO, JFK
Millennium Partners said, "We're thrilled to celebrate
today's steel-topping out milestone at JFK Terminal 6, an exciting
and important achievement on our journey towards opening in 2026.
I'm grateful to our extraordinary JMP team and our 900-strong
Terminal 6 workforce, who are committed to building a safe,
state-of-the-art new home for our airline partners and their
passengers — both here in New York
and around the globe."
Joanna Geraghty, CEO of
JetBlue said, "On behalf of the more than 23,000
crewmembers at JetBlue, New York's
Hometown Airline, we're thrilled to celebrate this important
milestone for the new Terminal 6 in the same spot where JetBlue
launched our first flights nearly 25 years ago. With a seamless
connection between Terminal 6 and JetBlue's Terminal 5, customers
in both terminals will have access to the best shopping and dining
New York has to offer as they
travel through JFK. Congratulations to our partners on the Terminal
6 team and to Governor Hochul on another major step in achieving
her vision for a new JFK."
David J. Cibrian, Managing
Partner of American Triple I (ATI) said, "ATI
is proud of this latest milestone at Terminal 6 and the continued
collaboration with our consortium partners. We are also
appreciative of our ongoing partnership with the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey and the Queens community as we work together to
enhance opportunities for local, MWBE, and veteran owned businesses
across all phases and aspects of this marquee project."
Jason Kopp, COO and EVO AECOM
Hunt said, "For 80 years, AECOM Hunt has led
some of the most important and iconic projects across the United States, and the topping out of
Terminal 6 is the latest step in that history as we move closer to
completing this five-year, $4.2
billion project. The transformation of JFK Airport
represents the very best of what New
York and New Yorkers have to offer – a deep desire for
excellence, a relentless drive to set new standards and an
unwavering commitment to welcoming people of all cultures,
backgrounds and countries. We are proud to play a role in
constructing this new global gateway -– and significantly improve
the way we live, the way we work and the way we travel. Thank you
to the Port Authority of New York
and New Jersey, JFK Millenium
Partners and all of our construction teams for making this major
milestone a reality."
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman
said, "Today's milestone in the transformation of JFK
International Airport marks another significant step in creating a
world-class travel experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
As we witness the progress of Terminal 6, it's not just about
infrastructure—it's about the thousands of jobs created the
commitment to minority- and women-owned businesses, and the
opportunities this development brings to local communities,
including those in Southeast
Queens. I applaud Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and
all the workers whose efforts are shaping the future of our city,
ensuring that JFK remains a beacon of innovation and progress."
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel
said, "We are excited for the new world-class Terminal 6
construction and development. We are especially thrilled about the
4,000 Jobs, including 1,800 Union Jobs and opportunities for
minority and local small businesses. "
Speaker Adrienne
Adams said, "JFK International Airport
is a critical gateway for the New York
City metropolitan region and a key economic engine in the
surrounding neighborhoods in Southeast
Queens. The steel topping-off ceremony of the new Terminal 6
represents an important milestone in the $19
billion redevelopment project, especially for the union
workers whose contributions made it possible to achieve this
progress. As Terminal 6 moves towards completion, it remains
crucial for the economic opportunities and investments that derive
from this project to benefit our small businesses and neighbors in
Southeast Queens. Working with all
stakeholders, we will continue to prioritize support for our local
communities throughout the transformation of JFK International
Airport."
New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Power
said, "The construction of Terminal 6 represents not only
a major investment in our city's infrastructure but also in the
local communities that surround this vital hub. With more than
4,000 jobs being created, including 1,800 union jobs, and a
commitment to MWBE participation, this project exemplifies the
economic and social impact that comes when we invest in the future
of New York City's transportation
systems and our local communities. I look forward to continuing to
work with all key stakeholders as we look transform JFK into a
world-class gateway that benefits Southeast Queens and all of New York."
Council Member Dr. Nantasha
Williams said, "This new, world-class
terminal will not only reshape the travel experience but will also
serve as a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth,
especially for local businesses and workers. With a commitment to
30 percent MWBE participation and thousands of union jobs, this
project represents the best of what we can achieve when we
prioritize equity, opportunity, and community investment. JFK's
redevelopment is a testament to our city's resilience and vision,
and I look forward to seeing Terminal 6 anchor the future of
aviation right here in Southeast
Queens."
Tom Grech, President and CEO
of the Queens Chamber of Commerce
said, "The redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK
International Airport is not just a win for the aviation community,
but a milestone for Queens and all
of New York, as well as
surrounding areas that use the airport to move people and products
worldwide. This project showcases our commitment to building
world-class infrastructure while ensuring economic opportunities
for local businesses and communities. The inclusion of MWBE and
local enterprises in this multi-billion dollar renovation reflects
the forward-thinking vision we need to foster long-term growth and
prosperity for all. For travelers, this new terminal will deliver
an experience with cutting-edge technology, enhanced amenities, and
an overall smoother journey through one of the world's busiest
airports. We extend our sincerest congratulations to Governor
Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey, and JFK Millennium Partners on
this historic moment marking the tremendous efforts of the
construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor
who helped make this plan a reality."
Justin Rodgers, President
& CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
said, "The progress of JFK's redevelopment is remarkable
as project milestones seem to occur daily. The achievement of 30
percent MWBE contracts and financing is especially meaningful.
Congratulations to everyone for honoring this commitment and
hopefully it will be exceeded."
Terminal 6 is being delivered via a public-private partnership
between the Port Authority and JMP – a consortium composed of
Vantage Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue Airways, with AECOM Hunt as
its design-build joint venture partner. Spanning 1.2 million square
feet, it will cccupy the site of the former Terminal 6 and the
existing Terminal 7 when completed. The new Terminal 6 will feature
10 gates, 10,000 square feet of world-class amenities, custom
artwork and architecture, state-of-the-art digital technology, and
sustainable operations – all delivered with the expertise of many
minority, women-owned (MWBE), service-disabled, veteran-owned
(SDVOB), and local business enterprises (LBEs).
The new Terminal 6 is a key part of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, which also
includes a New Terminal One anchoring the south side of the
airport; the modernization and expansion of terminals 4 and 8; and
an entirely new, simplified airport roadway network. The entire
airport redevelopment includes $15
billion in private investment for terminals and $3.9 billion in Port Authority funding for
roadway and infrastructure improvements.
Across JFK, the Port Authority is working with its private
partners, including JMP, and the JFK Redevelopment Community
Advisory Council to ensure that this historic investment generates
economic and educational opportunities for the communities
surrounding the airport.
The council, led by U.S. Rep. Gregory W.
Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., has prioritized
participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises in
the overall JFK redevelopment project. To date, that effort has set
a New York State
record of $2.3 billion in
contract awards to MWBE firms.
This construction milestone follows the recent announcement of
the first group of businesses to be featured in the vibrant
concessions program at the new Terminal 6. Among those featured
are 12 local and diverse businesses hailing from
southeast Queens, Harlem,
Brooklyn, and Long Island. Together, the concessions program
is expected to achieve more than 35 percent participation from
companies certified as airport concessions disadvantaged business
enterprises (ACDBE) under federal guidelines.
Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local
Community
In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory
Council was formed. Co-chaired by Meeks and Richards, it is
composed of elected officials, community boards, business and
nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders
from the targeted local communities of southeast Queens, southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of
Nassau County.
Since its inception, the council has been working with the Port
Authority and its private partners to expand community outreach
efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this
ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders
and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs,
students and jobseekers. This includes programming to advance the
Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal
in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for
local businesses across all aspects of the redevelopment of JFK,
including terminal projects, which will be built by union labor
under project-labor agreements.
Other community development initiatives prioritized by the
council focus on job opportunities and workforce development
programs for residents in southeast Queens, small business outreach and
development, and educational programming for local students.
Specifically, the Council for Airport Opportunity Rockaway Career
Center is a job recruiting and referral program to match qualified
job seekers with jobs in construction and airport operations
focused on the Far Rockaway
community. The Office of Second Chance Employment helps connect
formerly incarcerated individuals and others with past involvement
in the criminal justice system to jobs associated with both airport
construction and airport operations. The Institute of
Concessions is a specialized training program offering
extensive training and mentoring to small, local, and diverse
businesses intended to increase the number of local and diverse
airport concessionaires. The Aviation and Aeronautics
Academy provides an aviation-focused weekend and summer
education and enrichment program in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) for up to 700 students from grades 1
through 12 annually. In partnership with York
College/City University of New York, it introduces students
from communities surrounding JFK to career opportunities in
aviation, airport management and aerospace technology.
Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway
In
January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was
announced to transform JFK into the world-class airport that New
Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for
the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify
and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of
a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the
airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect
seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the
airport's north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by
Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is
substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by
American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in
November 2022.
All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with
the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure
projects represent a $19 billion
transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private
partnerships. The Port Authority's capital investment of
$3.9 billion is leveraging private
investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account
the full private investment of more than $15
billion that has been committed to the four projects
comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.
About JFK Millennium Partners
Terminal 6 is an
award-winning public-private partnership between the Port Authority
of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners – a
consortium that includes Vantage Group, an industry leading
investor, developer and manager of award-winning global airport
transformations, including LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B; American
Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and
manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer;
and JetBlue Airways, New York's
hometown airline. When complete, Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly
with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on JFK International
Airport's north side. For more information,
visit anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/.
About the Port Authority of New
York and New
Jersey
The Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and
maintains many of the most important transportation and trade
infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the
agency's network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and
bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the
East Coast has been among the most vital in the country –
transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential
goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and
manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes
tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual
visitors. The agency's historic $37
billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented
transformation of the region's three major airports – LaGuardia,
Newark Liberty and JFK – as well as an array of other new and
upgraded assets, including the $2
billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority's
annual budget of $9.3 billion
includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New
Jersey or from the City of New
York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the
improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities
primarily on its own credit. For more information,
visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now
Arriving blog.
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SOURCE JFK Millennium Partners