SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 27, 2025 – Marisa Von Wieding, vice president (VP) of operations, and Palmina Whelan, capital program director of the New Terminal One at JFK, are set to present “The New Terminal One: A new global gateway” at the Passenger Terminal Conference 2025 in Madrid, Spain, this April. Their insights into this groundbreaking project provide a glimpse into the future of airport development and passenger experience.
A Groundbreaking Project for JFK and International Aviation
“As the largest public-private partnership in the United States, the New Terminal One is a transformative project for JFK Airport and international aviation,” states Von Wieding. With the backing of financial sponsors Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle, the terminal is poised to become the largest at JFK, spanning 2,600,000ft2 and featuring 23 gates. This development will house half of the airport’s available widebody gates, accommodating larger aircraft crucial for international travel and solidifying JFK’s position as a world-class global gateway.
“But it’s more than that – the New Terminal One is a testament to the groundbreaking innovation that transpires from partnerships between the private sector, public agencies, labor and communities,” adds Whelan. This collaboration underscores the project's significance beyond mere infrastructure, highlighting its role in fostering community and economic growth.
Elevating the Passenger Experience
The New Terminal One is designed to revolutionize the passenger experience. “At New Terminal One, guests will be greeted with personalized options and amenities from the moment they arrive,” explains Von Wieding. The terminal will offer access to highly trained team members and seamless technology, empowering guests to choose their preferred interaction style.
Further enhancing the experience, the terminal will feature diverse spaces catering to various demographics, curated retail options, locally inspired dining, and inspiring art, creating a unique New York sense of place. “The terminal will offer processes and services at security and immigration that our guests will find unmatched elsewhere, setting a new benchmark for the guest experience at the nation’s largest aviation gateway for international travel,” says Whelan.
Inclusivity is also a core focus. “Making travel inclusive for all is also a key focus – our entire facility will be ADA-compliant, with amenities and services catering to guests who might need additional support on their journey,” emphasizes Von Wieding.
Sustainability and Resiliency at the Forefront
“Resiliency and sustainability are at the core of our design,” states Whelan. The terminal will feature an innovative microgrid system, including the largest solar array in New York City with 13,000 solar panels. This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the terminal’s environmental footprint.
“We are the first terminal in the world to procure a centralized fleet of electric ground support equipment, which reduces environmental impact and optimizes equipment usage,” adds Von Wieding. Additional sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting for reuse and a comprehensive waste management program.
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
The project faced numerous challenges, including the global pandemic’s impact on international travel. “Despite the many difficulties faced during that time, our sponsors and team persevered, developing a way forward for the project during a time of significant uncertainty for global travel,” says Whelan.
“Constructing a project of this magnitude requires overcoming complexities, including building in one of the busiest airspaces in the world alongside other projects in the overall JFK redevelopment,” explains Von Wieding. “The key is always collaboration and communication. Our team works in close partnership with the port authority and all our stakeholders to ensure success and alignment every step of the way.”
Setting a New Standard for Airport Development
“As the United States’ largest privately financed public-private partnership, we are redefining how aviation infrastructure is developed and operated in the nation,” states Whelan. “Using the P3 model for infrastructure development has proven successful in many parts of the world, by delivering major projects that are innovative and efficient, benefiting customers and the surrounding communities. The New Terminal One will serve as a critical domestic proof point for the P3 model for airport infrastructure in the United States.”
“This terminal is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s setting a new benchmark in the future of travel,” concludes Von Wieding. “By prioritizing sustainability, technology and the guest experience while reflecting the local character of Queens and New York, we hope to create a landmark that will inspire future airport developments worldwide.”
For those interested in learning more, the Passenger Terminal Conference, featuring insights from top aviation executives, will take place on April 8, 9 & 10, 2025, in Madrid, Spain.
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