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This article was published in 2019 in a series on the history of British Airways and its predecessors Imperial Airways, BOAC and BEA. You can browse all 100 stories in number order, by theme or by decade.
Many have been updated since first published.
Opened in 1970, what is now known as New York JFK Terminal 7 is the only terminal at JFK airport to be owned and operated by an international airline.
Designed by the British architectural practice GMW Architects and initially known as BOAC Terminal, the terminal was first shared between BA’s immediate predecessor BOAC and Air Canada.
The terminal opened at a time of rapid expansion in international travel with the arrival of the Boeing 747 aircraft. BOAC completed its inaugural Boeing 747 flight from London to New York in April 1971.
The design of the terminal, with its relatively low key presence and sharp lines, is largely driven by practical considerations, notably the need for a clear sign of sight for the JFK Air Traffic Control tower. It was also designed to be capable of withstanding helicopters landing on its roof. However, it was never used for this purpose.
The terminal was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra on 24 September 1970.
BOAC was not shy in promoting the fact it was the only international airline to have its own terminal at JFK, with its own Customs & immigration facilities, as per this message from BOAC’s well known manager at New York, Ron Burrage:
In its later years the terminal has been shared between BA and number of airlines including United Airlines (before it exited JFK) and many Oneworld alliance partners.
In 2008, BA announced ambitious plans to redevelop the terminal, including the creation of a “drive thru” check-in for BA Gold cardholders and First Class passengers. However, these were put on hold due to the financial crisis.
BA has recently completed a more modest refurbishment of the terminal including a refurbished First Class and Club lounge. Whilst Terminal 7 is certainly not the most modern terminal in JFK it has been popular with frequent flyers, particularly for its short walking distances and its expansive lounge complex. BA has the largest portfolio of lounges outside of London at JFK and the JFK Concorde Room is arguably one of the best lounges on the network.
However the fate of Terminal 7 was sealed in 2018 after the Governor Of New York State Andrew M Cuomo announced a redevelopment of New York JFK.
Terminal 7 was dubbed “48 years old, undersized and functionally obsolete” and earmarked for demolition. A new terminal will be developed by JetBlue on the site of Terminals 6 and 7 and connected to JetBlue’s existing home in Terminal 5. Construction is expected to begin in 2020 with the first new gates opening in 2023 and substantial completion expected in 2025. BA plans to join its joint-venture partner American Airlines in Terminal 8 from 2022.
You can continue reading our 100 part series on the history of British Airways and its predecessor airlines Imperial Airways, BOAC and BEA in numerical order, by theme or by decade.
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There are no views ‘airside’ of luffing bridge and associated apron drives, designed and built by Laird Anglesey, Wales, UK.
A unique design allowing passengers to exit the terminal and walk (downhill) to the aircraft and by lowering the ‘Luffing Bridge’ again allowing passengers to walk (downhill) exciting the aircraft to gain access to the terminal.