JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new state-of-the-art Terminal 6, and award-winning, Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific, have announced an agreement for the airline to operate from Terminal 6 when the first five gates open to passengers in early 2026. In addition, Cathay Pacific will open a nearly 10,000 square-foot lounge at Terminal 6 – its first dedicated lounge in the New York market and its second in the United States, along with San Francisco International Airport. Cathay Pacific customers can also look forward to Terminal 6’s digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to its gates.
The new Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
“We are thrilled to partner with a world-renowned carrier like Cathay Pacific, who shares our vision and commitment to an outstanding guest experience,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “We can’t wait to welcome Cathay Pacific’s passengers to our world-class T6 facility, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership,” Thody added.
Cathay Pacific Senior Vice President, Americas Chris van den Hooven said: “This represents a huge milestone in Cathay Pacific’s 28 years of connecting New York with our home, Hong Kong. From July 1, it will be 20 years since we commenced our regular non-stop service. It has long been our ambition to provide our customers with a signature Cathay Pacific airport experience at JFK. We are delighted about our partnership with JFK Millennium Partners, which will make this dream a reality.”
Cathay Pacific General Manager Customer Experience and Design Vivian Lo said: “New York JFK is among the top locations in our global lounge strategy. We are truly excited by this opportunity to bring the signature Cathay Pacific lounge experience to our premium customers at this important port in our network. This new lounge will feature a number of exciting developments that will put it at the forefront of our lounge proposition, and we look forward to sharing more details with our customers at the appropriate time.”
Cathay Pacific has been a pioneer in connecting New York and Hong Kong since its inaugural flights in 1996, which initially made a stop in Vancouver. On July 1, 2004, a significant advancement occurred as the airline launched regular scheduled non-stop services, solidifying its reputation as one of the most established and longest-serving Asian airlines in North America. Celebrating two decades of continuous non-stop operations this year, Cathay Pacific’s flights have been instrumental in fostering enhanced connectivity between two of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Today, Cathay Pacific operates three flights per day from JFK Terminal 8 to Hong Kong using Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft. One of only a few Skytrax 5-star rated airlines in the world, Cathay Pacific joins other premium international carriers in choosing the new Terminal 6 as their future home at JFK airport.
On March 31, 2024, Cathay Pacific reinstated its legendary First class service from JFK to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), furthering the airline’s commitment to the North American market and providing a superior long-haul flight experience between two of the world’s most important financial centers.
