Air China and The New Terminal One: A Partnership Set to Transform JFK Airport in 2026

Air China and The New Terminal One at JFK: A New Era of Travel Experience

On May 8, 2025, Air China announced its upcoming operations at the New Terminal One at New York's JFK International Airport, set to begin in 2026. This significant partnership is poised to enhance the travel experience for passengers traveling from China to the United States, highlighting John F. Kennedy Airport as one of the major global gateways.

The New Terminal One is a pivotal component of the $19 billion redevelopment plan initiated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which aims to transform JFK into a world-class destination. This extensive project encompasses the construction of two new terminals, modernization and expansion of two existing ones, a new ground transit center, and an upgraded streamlined road network.

Currently, Air China operates five weekly flights from JFK to Beijing Capital International Airport aboard Boeing 747-8 aircraft. Passengers can expect an enhanced travel experience at the new terminal, featuring a curated retail offering that merges Fifth Avenue's sophistication with the vibrancy of New York City’s iconic marketplace, showcasing luxury brands from around the globe as well as unique local products.

The CEO of the New Terminal One, Jennifer A. O'Meara, remarked, "We are thrilled to take this significant step to strengthen our partnership with Air China. Their cooperation is crucial in creating an extraordinary guest experience, and we look forward to establishing a lasting collaboration to support Air China’s growth in the New York market."

Similarly, Mr. Peng Lei, Air China's General Manager for North America, expressed, "We are delighted to call JFK's new terminal our home, reaffirming our commitment to delivering dual excellence in service and connecting the world's most vibrant international metropolises. From the moment passengers board our flights, they are welcomed into a rich tapestry of China's century-old culture and history, along with our commitment to hospitality and market-leading innovation."

Air China joins a growing list of carriers that will begin operations at the New Terminal One in 2026, including Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, NEOS, Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Royal Air Maroc. As a member of the global airline alliance Star Alliance, Air China becomes the fifth airline within the network to select the New Terminal One as its new headquarters in New York City.

About The New Terminal One

The New Terminal One at JFK represents a bold and exciting project aimed at creating a state-of-the-art international terminal that will serve as a primary hub in the Port Authority's $19 billion initiative to transform JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States. The terminal aims to set new benchmarks in design and service, with aspirations for a Skytrax top-five ranking.

Constructed on the site currently occupied by Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the New Terminal One will be located on the southern side of JFK Airport. The construction process is phased, with the full completion expected by 2030. The first phase will include a new arrivals and departures hall along with the first set of 14 new boarding gates, anticipated to open in 2026. When fully completed, the New Terminal One will feature 23 boarding gates, spanning 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK, comparable in size to the two new terminals at LaGuardia Airport.

The labor, operations, and financial partnership consortium for the New Terminal One is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. Construction of the terminal is committed to local inclusivity and workforce participation, with a focus on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including targets for minority-owned businesses (20%), women-owned businesses (10%), local businesses (10%), and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (3%).

For more information about the New Terminal One at JFK, visit their official site.

About Air China

As the largest airline from China in the China-U.S. market, Air China is dedicated to expanding its route network in the Americas. Currently, it operates the most destinations between the two countries, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. As a member of Star Alliance, Air China leverages partnerships with leading airlines worldwide to enhance customer travel experiences, ensuring seamless service. Their industry-leading frequent flyer program is the first of its kind among Chinese airlines, boasting over 93 million members as of 2024.