LOT Polish Airlines has confirmed it has been selected as one of three anchor airlines at the yet-to-be-built New York JFK’s New Terminal One.
The Polish flag carrier said it had been awarded the status of anchor airline following more than two years of negotiations.
LOT said that the decision would see it “enjoy greater brand visibility at the NTO (New Terminal One) premises, and will also operate check-in desks and a two-storey business lounge with direct access to the aircraft”.
The carrier also confirmed Air France and Etihad Airways as the other two anchor airlines for the terminal.
Construction is expected to begin on JFK’s $9.5 billion New Terminal One this summer, with the first phase including new arrivals and departures halls coming online in 2026, and the project slated for completion in 2030.
When finished NTO will be the largest terminal at JFK, and will cater for international traffic only.
The 220,000 sqm facility will offer 23 contact stands, as well as over 300,000 square feet of dining, retail, lounges and recreational space.
Commenting on the news Rafał Milczarski, CEO and president of the management board, LOT Polish Airlines, said:
“Our presence in New York dates back to 1973. It is no coincidence that the flight number from JFK to Warsaw is LO007. The management of the New York facility solicited this designator code to commemorate the movie “Live and Let Die” which was released that summer and starred legendary Roger Moore as Agent 007.
“For almost 50 years, we have been connecting people between Europe and this vibrant metropolis. Today, LOT is proud to be a major carrier at this state-of-the-art terminal. It is also a tribute to LOT Polish Airlines for its nearly 50 years of presence in New York.
“I would like to thank my team and our partners at NTO for their commitment and cooperation. Being among such an elite group of major carriers is a perfect start to another half-century of our New York adventure”.
