New York Governor nods $132 million JFK airport overhaul plan

November 23, 2017: In an attempt to infuse new life into the decaying air cargo infrastructure of John F. Kennedy International Airport, the government of New York recently approved a mega revamping plan worth $132 million.

According to reports, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the government has entered into a long-term lease between the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and Aero JFK II, LLC to build a state-of-the-art 346,000 square-foot cargo handling facility at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The budget earmarked for two projects include $70 million investment towards overhaul of its new cargo facility, besides $62.2 million for broadening, rehabilitating and realignment of two taxiways to allow large cargo planes to access north side warehouses, along with electrical and drainage improvements across the taxiway vicinity.

The project would help cut down on the transfer time, smoothen cargo operations, offer efficient road access to off-airport cargo operations, and phase out existing obsolete and underused warehouses, the report said.

Currently, half of the 40-year old JFK's cargo infrastructure fail to meet the current industry standards, including the two that is expected to be demolished to construct the new facility.
The investment symbolises first step of its comprehensive vision plan for JFK, which follows airport advisory panel recommendation to enhance JFK's position in the global air cargo market.

The project is also aimed to reach a combined participation rate of 30 percent minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE).

“We are in the process of giving a face-lift to the JFK airport by modernizsng its new cargo facility. This will be a major economic engine for us as it will help create employment and trigger economic growth across the entire New York metropolitan area in the future,” said Cuomo.

“For long, JFK International Airport has been one of the nation's key destinations for passengers and air cargo movement. We are taking bold steps to transform JFK's cargo facilities into a best-in-class operation,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of Port Authority.

Aeroterm's Chief Development Officer Erin Gruver said: “This project is a significant first step towards revitalising JFK's air cargo sector. We are honoured to be entrusted by the Governor and the port authority raise to funds to develop an essential piece of JFK's future.”