NEWS: BA’s new terminal at JFK with AA and new Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi – formerly Emirates Palace

BA’s new terminal at JFK with American Airlines

Despite only just finishing the renovations of their lounges at their current JFK terminal (read my reviews here) American Airlines and British Airways joined New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to announce the start of construction on a $344 million investment at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 8 yesterday. 

“Our investment will put the 14 daily flights from JFK to London that we offer in partnership with British Airways in the same terminal and give customers premium check-in space, new joint lounges and a larger variety of retail and dining options,” said Robert Isom, President of American. “We will be adding more than 70,000 square feet to customer and operational spaces to create a truly world-class experience at JFK.”

Connecting between BA and AA will be a big benefit with closer, faster and easier connections with the additional co-located long-haul aircraft gates and an enhanced baggage system.

“As we progress with the JFK modernization project, we are giving Terminal 8 a new look and layout in line with the modern, world-class standards that will define the airport’s ultimate transformation,” Cuomo said. “When this work is completed, Terminal 8 will accommodate more passengers who will be able to enjoy a better travel experience and will make the work of airport staff more efficient and more seamless.”

American and British Airways are the first airlines to mark the start of the transformation of JFK into a state-of-the-art global hub. To be honest JFK (and many US) airports sorely need this. I am still astounded when I land in one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world and see the shabby excuse for an airport they have!

The upgrades and additions at Terminal 8 will bring improvements in the overall customer experience, including the addition of five widebody gates and four adjacent widebody hard stands (ramp parking where customers are transported to/from terminal via bus), enhanced baggage systems, new lounges, premium check-in space and upgraded concessions and retail options. Additionally, customers arriving in New York will enjoy the ability to more conveniently connect onto other American Airlines flights, and customers departing New York will gain the flexibility of 14 daily flights to London all departing from the same terminal. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

American and British Airways offer the most flights between JFK and London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) in addition to up to 70 flights a day to London from 26 destinations in the United States.

“This is an exciting development in our move to Terminal 8, alongside American Airlines, our Atlantic joint-business partner,” British Airways’ Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz said. “We are one step closer to offering an even better customer experience for passengers traveling to, from and through JFK. We look forward to our continued work with the Port Authority and American Airlines in order to build a world-class transatlantic travel experience.”

Emirates Palace reopens as Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi

The iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates last week became part of Mandarin Oriental on 1 January 2020.  It will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019.

The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property, following a phased renovation over two years, during which time the hotel will remain open. The work will encompass significant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities.

The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centres.

This means that you will be able to get your Mandarin Oriental Fans benefits once it is integrated into the MO booking system shortly. Every member gets free wi-fi, a welcome amenity and special events and offers for members only. The most interesting benefit is the 2 additional privileges you can choose when you book your stay on mandarinoriental.com. 

You can enrol for free here. 

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the heart of the city, conveniently situated for both leisure and business travellers. The Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are a short drive away. The Marina Mall is nearby and the commercial centre of the city is also easily accessed. The hotel is 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.

Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace is not yet bookable on the MO website so they are directing people to book here.