American Airlines, British Airways to renovate JFK Airport's Terminal 8

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - American Airlines and British Airways pledged to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a modernization plan for John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to the office of the governor.

The airlines will invest $344 million for enhancements to Terminal 8 over the next three years as part of the agreement with the Port Authority for British Airways to move from Terminal 7.

"Only four months ago, we announced plans to transform JFK Airport into a state-of-the-art global hub, with new and unified terminals adding 4 million square feet and increasing the airport's capacity by at least 15 million passengers annually," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in the news release. "This new investment is part and parcel with the State's broader efforts to modernize airports all across New York."

The upgrades to Terminal 8 will include refurbishing 57,500 square feet of space and adding 70,400 square feet, including 33,000 square feet of public space.

Both airlines will have premium lounges, better baggage systems, new check-in space, and upgraded concessions, the governor's office said.

The terminal will also get more wide-body gates and on- airfield aircraft parking and unloading areas to accommodate additional trans-Atlantic flights.