Picture from http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/jetblue/THE NEWS
JetBlue plans to revive the old TWA terminal (Terminal 5) at Kennedy airport for $875 million. The new terminal would handle up to 210 flights and will serve as an international gateway for the airline since the current JetBlue terminal, Terminal 6, doesn't have customs facilities. The terminal plan is a cooperation between Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), who own airports in New York City's metropolitan area, JetBlue and preservationists.
The Port Authority wants to expand JFK, but Eero Saarinen's had a landmark status and thus couldn't be demolished. The new plan calls for JetBlue's terminal to be built behind the landmark so it wouldn't spoil the view. The new terminal, however, would not be as elaborate and stylish as TWA's terminal. In an interview with BusinessWeek, Richard Smyth said that the design will be very straightforward and there will be nothing sexy about it.
THE OPINION
The problem lies with connecting the structure to the rest of the airport. While AirTrain serves much of the JFK facilities, its Terminal 5/6 stop is much closer to Terminal 6 than 5. It will be a hell of a walk between the two terminals. Also, one has to wonder about its uses: will JetBlue stay in two terminals or just one? Is there enough capacity for JetBlue, American and Delta? All three have hubs at JFK, but only Delta's and JetBlue are growing at a more rapid rate than American, which is the dominant carrier at the airport.
Also, JetBlue has some financial troubles, which are not a major concern, but a concern nevertheless. A declining profit margin, curtailing growth - these may be the signs of a dying carrier. Or some would think so. Ever since its start in the Millennium, JetBlue has captured the hearts and minds of New Yorkers. It has turned into an even more official airline than Continental, partly because it's actually in New York City. As any other business, JetBlue has to grow, so the expanded terminal should serve JetBlue nicely.
1 comment:
Personally, I love Jet Blue, and I love their set up at JFK. It's perfect for me. Since they're the only one in that terminal, it's less hectic when you're checking in or arriving. I also love their planes. They've got pretty planes. Pretty pretty planes.
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