Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal today opened the new Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, part of a $1.4 billion redevelopment program at JFK.

“The state-of-the-art Terminal 4 facilities have been years in the making and Delta people, global customers and the residents of New York now have the international hub facility that they expect and deserve,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer. “It’s an exciting time at Delta and JFK Terminal 4 is emblematic of the investments we are making in New York and around the world.  We are celebrating today thanks to the hard work and dedication of our partners in this project including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and the Schiphol Group.”

Today’s opening of the first phase of Delta’s Terminal 4 expansion includes: Nine new and seven renovated international gates. Improved and renovated check-in areas, including a dedicated Sky Priority check-in. A centralized security checkpoint. New dining and retail offerings. A new 24,000-square-foot flagship Delta Sky Club with the first ever Sky Deck at Delta Sky Club outdoor terrace. An in-line baggage system to streamline and improve the baggage handling system. Improved Customs and Border Protection, baggage claim and re-check facilities.

With the 346,000-square-foot expansion of Concourse B, Terminal 4, which is managed by JFKIAT, now measures 2 million square feet, making it one of the largest terminals in North America. Delta partner Virgin Atlantic Airways also operates out of Terminal 4.

In addition to the expansion opening today, Delta earlier this year announced phase two of the Terminal 4 redevelopment plan that will include an additional 11 gates on Terminal 4’s Concourse B. Construction on phase two will commence immediately. Upon completion in summer 2015, Terminal 4’s Concourse B will house a total of 27 Delta gates and replace Delta’s current Terminal 2 regional jet facility.

“Delta’s $1.4 billion investment in this state is further proof that New York is a prime destination for businesses to grow and thrive,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This investment was critical in improving JFK’s infrastructure, created more than 1,000 construction jobs and demonstrated the strength of our Minority—Women-owned Business Enterprises participation. We look forward to Phase II of Delta’s JFK investment and thank them for their continued partnership and commitment to the State.”

“Today, we celebrate another milestone in our successful partnership here in New York.  Over the past 16 years, Schiphol Group has enjoyed an outstanding relationship with New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport through our involvement in JFKIAT, the management company of Terminal 4,” said Jos Nijhuis, president and CEO, Schiphol Group. “We are proud to have shared in making Terminal 4 one of the best air terminals in the world.  The development and completion of this new expansion mark a spectacular accomplishment on the part of our partner, Delta Air Lines, and all the alliance members. We continually challenge and inspire each other to provide excellent service to the traveling public.”

Delta has ceased operations at Terminal 3. The site will be redeveloped for operational use.

Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com