Plaza Premium to Bring 2 Lounges to JFK’s New Terminal One
Plaza Premium Group to introduce a flagship Plaza Premium First and a pre-security arrivals lounge as part of JFK’s $9.5 billion New Terminal One development.
Photos: Courtesy of Plaza Premium Group
The long-anticipated New Terminal One at JFK has announced a partnership with Plaza Premium Group to develop and operate two independent lounges that together span nearly 14,000 square feet. The move brings one of the world’s most decorated lounge operators into one of the busiest international hubs in the U.S., with offerings that aim to set a higher standard for airport hospitality when the terminal’s first phase opens in 2026.
The centerpiece will be Plaza Premium First, a 9,300-square-foot space located beyond security and open 24/7. Designed for top-tier international travelers, the lounge will feature à la carte dining, curated menus, a dedicated cocktail bar, and the brand’s signature Infinity Room for added exclusivity. Its focus on full-service amenities, rather than a self-serve model, aligns with Plaza Premium’s effort to elevate independent lounges to the level of airline-branded first-class experiences.
Complementing that will be a 4,200-square-foot Plaza Premium Lounge located pre-security in the arrivals hall. With showers, fresh meals, and a business center, it represents a rare amenity in U.S. airports: a comfortable retreat for arriving passengers before heading into the city, or a waiting space for early check-ins and family send-offs.
The partnership also includes PPG’s ALLWAYS Meet & Assist program, offering personalized services such as curbside-to-gate escorts, fast-track security, and baggage assistance—features designed to streamline the JFK journey in a way few airports currently offer.
“We are delighted to partner with Plaza Premium Group, a global innovator renowned for reimagining airport hospitality,” said Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One. “Their lounge offerings align perfectly with our mission to create an unparalleled guest experience that is tailor made for international customers flying out of JFK, the nation’s largest global gateway.”
The New Terminal One, a $9.5 billion project within the Port Authority’s larger $19 billion JFK redevelopment plan, is being constructed on the footprint of the former Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Once completed in 2030, it will span 2.6 million square feet and include 23 gates, making it the airport’s largest terminal. Phase one—featuring the new arrivals and departures halls and 14 gates—is slated to open next year, with anchor carriers including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines.
The lounges are an important milestone in the U.S. market for PPG. The Hong Kong–based company operates more than 250 lounges across 70 airports and was recently named “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge Brand” by Skytrax for the ninth consecutive year. Establishing a presence at JFK positions the brand at one of the world’s most high-profile gateways, in front of both loyal airline customers and walk-in travelers seeking a premium ground experience.
