BEIJING and NEW YORK, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Air China will begin operations at the New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport starting in 2026. The partnership between Air China and the New Terminal One is focused on enhancing the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting the United States and supporting the airline's future growth in New York City—one of the most important global gateways.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Air China currently offers five weekly flights to Beijing Capital International Airport with Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Customers flying on Air China can look forward to an elevated travel experience at the airline's new home at JFK Airport. The New Terminal One will feature a curated retail collection that blends the sophistication of Fifth Avenue with the vibrancy of New York City's iconic markets— showcasing global luxury brands alongside exclusive local products,

"We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Air China through this important step forward with the New Terminal One. Their collaboration has been invaluable in shaping an extraordinary guest experience and we look forward to a lasting partnership that supports Air China's growth in the New York market," said Jennifer Aument, CEO, The New Terminal One at JFK.

"We're thrilled to call the New Terminal One at JFK Airport our home, reaffirming our commitment to provide our guests with the best of both worlds and connecting two of the world's most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. From the moment travelers step aboard our flight, we welcome them into a world where they can experience China's rich tapestry of centuries-old culture and history, our tradition of warm welcoming hospitality, and market-leading innovations," Mr. Peng Lei, Air China's General Manager for North America, stated. 

Air China joins a growing community of airlines that will operate out of the New Terminal One in 2026: Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand and Royal Air Maroc. A member of the global airline alliance Star Alliance, Air China is the fifth Star carrier to select the New Terminal One as its new home in New York City.

About The New Terminal One

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a best-in-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States. The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking.

The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK's south side. Construction is taking place in phases with full completion in 2030. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion in 2030, the New Terminal One, with a total of 23 gates, will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport's two new terminals combined.

The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and is committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including a commitment to target participation goals of 20% for minority-owned business enterprises, 10% for women-owned business enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://portauthoritybuilds.com/redevelopment/us/en/jfk/planned-projects/terminal-1.html

About Air China

As the largest carrier among Chinese airlines in the China-U.S. market, Air China is committed to expanding its route network in the Americas. It currently operates the highest number of destinations between the two countries, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

A member of the Star Alliance, Air China leverages its partnerships with the world's leading carriers to enhance the travel experience for its customers and ensure smooth, seamless service. Its industry-leading frequent flyer program—the first of its kind among Chinese airlines—had over 93 million members as of 2024.