New York launches tender process for US$10bn JFK airport project

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the start of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s request-for-proposals (RFP) for John F Kennedy Airport’s US$10bn redevelopment.

The RFP is complemented by US$1.5bn in new state commitments for improvements to the Van Wyck Expressway and Kew Gardens Interchange, which will improve access to the airport and reduce congestion.

Phases I and II of the project at the Kew Gardens Interchange in central Queens are already complete. These two steps will facilitate the transformation of JFK Airport and accommodate the growth of traveler footfall expected in coming years.

Cuomo said, “JFK International Airport is an international gateway to New York and a powerful economic engine with the potential to grow even stronger. By enhancing capacity, improving access and creating a unified framework for one of the nation’s largest international airports, the new JFK Airport will be a center of economic activity and a world-class airport of the caliber that New York deserves.”

The firm chosen after the RFP process will follow the blueprint laid out in the governor’s Vision Plan to reimagine the airport’s terminals, roadways, AirTrain, parking, cargo facilities, airside and aeronautical improvements, and support infrastructure.

One of the key recommendations is to ensure terminals are interconnected for ease of passenger use, by expanding newer terminals and developing and relocating older ones. As the new terminals expand they should be designed to connect to neighboring terminals as much as possible. As older terminals are rebuilt and redeveloped, the planning should take into account the vision of a unified airport.