SEE: $344M Revamp Announced For JFK Terminal

QUEENS, NY – A first glimpse at a $344 million makeover at JFK Airport was revealed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Wednesday – bringing a state-of-the-art terminal to the hub as part of a bigger $13 billion project.

Terminal 8 will be totally redesigned with the funds being invested by American Airlines and British Airways. The UK company will then move into the new space from its existing spot in Terminal 7, the governor said.

Along with vastly improved customer service and facilities, the new terminal will allow BA to operate 14 daily flights between New York and the UK, Cuomo said, calling it an "extraordinary private investment that will turn JFK into a truly modern airport.”

“This new investment is part and parcel with the State’s broader efforts to modernize airports all across New York," he added.

The project will add 70,400 square feet of space to the existing terminal, with improved check-in areas and better options for food and drink.

As part of the $13 billion revamp, Cuomo has added major additions including a "Central Park at JFK" greenspace, a food hall modeled after Chelsea Market and two brand new terminals. It is estimated it will allow the airport to handle another 15 million passengers a year.

"From JFK and LaGuardia to Ithaca and Rochester, we are making historic progress rebuilding our airport infrastructure for the future and ensuring New York State remains the nation's front door," Cuomo said.

The Terminal 8 project will create 750 total jobs over the project's life, adding to the 9,600 new jobs in the Governor's original $13 billion plan, Cuomo said.

Images via Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office