American Airlines today
dedicated Phase I of a new, state-of-the-art $1.1 billion terminal at John F.
Kennedy International Airport that will serve the needs of millions of
domestic and international travelers for decades to come.Gerard J. Arpey, American’s chairman and CEO, presided at a ceremony
attended by about 200 government and civic leaders, customers, officials of
countries served by American, labor union leaders, American employees and the
media.
  “This terminal represents one of the biggest, boldest—and most
expensive—projects in American Airlines’ history, and it underscores our
commitment to JFK and our determination to preserve its status as one of the
world’s premier domestic and international gateways,” Arpey said.
  American’s new terminal, the largest facility at JFK Airport housing a
single airline, was designed to provide the most convenient and comfortable
travel experience possible.  In fact, American—which annually serves about
8.5 million customers at JFK Airport—over the past decade has invested in
more airport facilities in the New York area than all other airlines combined.
  Arpey dedicated the terminal to the men and women of American, presenting
a plaque that reads:  “American Airlines today dedicates its new Kennedy
International Airport gateway terminal to the tens of thousands of American
employees who have so proudly served the region’s air travelers for nearly
80 years.  Through the dedication and commitment of these employees, American
has blazed many trails, introducing the nation’s first cross-country jet
service from JFK in 1959 and establishing New York as one of the world’s
leading air transport centers.”
  Noting American’s long and fruitful relationship with the city, Arpey
said: “New York is important to American Airlines for many reasons.  A huge
number of our customers live here; it’s one of the world’s top tourist
destinations; and as a gateway from the United States to the rest of the
world, it plays a very important strategic role in our global network.
  “But just as important, New York is home to 8,500 members of our team.
And our billion-dollar-plus investment in this terminal affirms—not just
our belief in New York and its future—but also the faith we have in our
people, and our pride in the care they provide our customers every day,” Arpey
said.
  Elected officials representing Greater New York offered comments about the
new terminal.
  New York State Governor George E. Pataki said:  “American Airlines has
been a mainstay for New York State and New York City, providing unmatched air
travel, creating thousands of jobs, pumping billions of dollars into the
economy and making significant cultural and philanthropic contributions.
American’s stunning new terminal at JFK Airport will serve the needs of the
City and State for decades to come.”
  “I congratulate American Airlines on their $1.1 billion new terminal at
JFK International Airport,” said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  “This
terminal is a tremendous and prudent investment in New York City.  We are the
number one American destination for both domestic and international travelers
and I am pleased that American Airlines is making such a sustained commitment
to our City.  With 8,500 employees, $3.8 billion in economic activity, the
employment of more than 7,000 construction workers and a generous history of
community involvement, American Airlines is an excellent corporate citizen.”
  Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, whose district includes JFK Airport, said:
“This dazzling new terminal is the result of enormous perseverance and
dedication by American Airlines and its employees.  It would have been easy
for American to stop this project—which began in late 1999—given the
horrible events of 9/11, the devastating accident that occurred at this
airport in November 2001 and the industry’s mounting financial losses during
the past four years.  However, this great airline moved forward despite many
obstacles and did so using local talent from my congressional district to help
construct one of the finest passenger terminals at any airport in the world!
As American set the standard for nonstop transcontinental service at JFK some
45 years ago, today we celebrate as American Airlines launches a new standard
of excellence for the traveling public with Kennedy’s newest crown jewel.  I
am proud to stand with the many thousands of American employees and retirees
in my district to salute New York’s largest carrier, and the world’s largest
airline:  American!”
  Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President, said:  “I couldn’t be more
pleased that American Airlines is opening this terrific, state-of-the-art
terminal at JFK Airport.  The travel convenience and economic activity will be
great for Queens and beneficial for all of New York.  It is a wonderful
addition to our borough.”
  Phase I of American’s new terminal features a dramatic, 57,000-square-foot
ticketing lobby with a 65-foot ceiling and 67 ticketing positions.  That lobby
is linked to a sparkling Concourse C by a 250-foot underground tunnel served
by escalators and moving walkways.  The terminal offers an automated baggage-
handling system with four baggage carousels, each with up to 250 linear feet
for baggage pickup.
  It also includes an 11,300-square-foot Admirals Club, with seating for
185 people.  The Admirals Club provides the comfort that travelers the world
over appreciate from American’s airport lounges and captures the distinctive
history and flavor of New York.  The new Admirals Club features vintage
photographs depicting everything from construction workers atop skyscrapers to
historic games at Yankee Stadium, Ebbetts Field and the Polo Grounds.  The
floor in the shower area is embedded with replicas of New York City manhole
covers.
  Phase I operations will begin on Aug. 24.  The terminal will operate
primarily the domestic flights now in American’s Terminal 9, which will close
to accommodate Phase II construction.  In addition, international departures
to Tokyo, Brussels, Aruba and Bermuda will begin after Labor Day, with service
to the Dominican Republic expected by year’s end.  International arrivals at
the new terminal will await the establishment of a U.S. Customs and Border
Patrol facility in the main terminal, expected in 16-18 months.
  American, in a separate announcement today, said it will begin service
from JFK Airport to Newcastle, England, in May 2006.  Overall, American
currently provides service to 38 destinations from JFK, including 18 daily
flights to the West Coast, and 49 daily flights overseas.
  “This new terminal and American Airlines’ increased service to
international destinations is good news for our AAdvantage members,” Arpey
said.  “AAdvantage, the largest and oldest frequent flyer program in the
industry today, has more than 48 million members.  When you look at all the
new international flights American is adding elsewhere—service from Chicago
to Delhi, India, beginning in November, plus other new routes this year from
Chicago to Nagoya, Japan; Dallas/Fort Worth to Osaka, Japan; Boston to
Shannon, Ireland; and our approval to fly from Chicago to Shanghai, China,
next year—AAdvantage is more valuable than ever to its members.”
  When Phase II of construction is completed in the spring of 2007, the
terminal will cover 1.5 million square feet and provide 36 gates—27 for jet
operations, 19 of which can support arriving international flights—and nine
for regional jets.  Ten security lanes will be able to process nearly
1,800 passengers an hour, and 24 Self-Service Check-In kiosks will be
provided, together with eight curbside check-in positions.
  American Airlines has served the New York market for more than 70 years.
The airline supports more than 128,000 jobs in the New York metro area and
generates $3.8 billion annually in economic activity.  American contributes to
more than 50 charitable, community and cultural organizations in the New York
area, providing countless volunteer hours, contributions, sponsorships and
transportation to these organizations.
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