AUCKLAND, New Zealand and NEW YORK, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Air New Zealand and The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport have announced an exciting new partnership, marking the next chapter of the airline's operations at JFK Airport. This partnership is set to elevate the customer experience for passengers traveling on Air New Zealand's flagship Auckland - New York City route.

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, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Currently operating at JFK Airport's existing Terminal 1, Air New Zealand will move its operations to the New Terminal One upon its scheduled opening in 2026. As a member of the Star Alliance, Air New Zealand's selection of the New Terminal One demonstrates its commitment to offering a world-class experience for its customers in New York, a key destination in the airline's global network.

Air New Zealand operates three times weekly nonstop between Auckland and JFK Airport, with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Clocking in at more than 17 hours, the route is one of the world's longest flights. Launched by Air New Zealand in 2022, the flight offers convenient nonstop service for passengers traveling between New Zealand and New York City, bypassing a transit stop while traversing the globe.

"Our team at the New Terminal One is committed to growing with our airline partners and we are delighted that Air New Zealand chose us as their partner on this next stage of their journey at JFK," said Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer, The New Terminal One at JFK. "Air New Zealand's flagship service to New York City deserves a world-class guest experience at JFK, and we are proud to be their trusted partner in delivering it."

"Since we launched our route to JFK over two years ago, it has become a cornerstone of our operations," said Ben Evers-Swindell, General Manager Americas, Air New Zealand. "Providing an exceptional airport experience is a top priority for us, especially for our passengers embarking on ultra-long-haul journeys. We eagerly anticipate our transition to The New Terminal One at JFK and look forward to introducing our customers to an enhanced travel experience in 2026."

Air New Zealand joins a growing group of international airlines that have committed to operating out of the New Terminal One. The other airlines that will be based at the new terminal include: Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos, Philippine Airlines and Turkish Airlines. The New Terminal One has also partnered with Air China on a collaboration to elevate the travel experience for Chinese customers visiting New York.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the New Terminal One will offer state-of-the-art technology and a world-class retail and dining experience with a strong sense of place unique to New York. The dedicated international terminal, with 2.6 million square feet of space, will be the largest at JFK Airport when complete.

About The New Terminal One

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-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 and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world.

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. 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, anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One 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 will be a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world.

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.

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand's story started in 1940. The New Zealand airline is renowned for its warm Kiwi hospitality, and operates a modern, fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 8.7 years. The airline's global network centers around New Zealand, with direct flights to major cities across the world. Air New Zealand has a strong focus on sustainability and its loyalty program, Airpoints, is highly valued. Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand aircraft are identified by the distinct Mangōpare tail livery, symbolizing strength, tenacity, and resilience.