SHARE

Second Phase Of Air Cargo Modernization Program At JFK Airport Unveiled

The second phase of the air cargo modernization initiative at JFK Airport has officially been unveiled, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announces phase two of John F. Kennedy International Airport cargo modernization program

Governor Andrew Cuomo announces phase two of John F. Kennedy International Airport cargo modernization program

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The multi-tiered cargo modernization plan’s second phase is underway with the signing of a long-term lease to develop a state-of-the-art handling facility with JFK Air Cargo LLC.

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved the 31-year lease, which is expected to bring around $152 million in rentals as well as $70 million in investments by JFK Air Cargo.

The Port Authority is also contributing a maximum of $13 million toward efforts including site preparation work, roadway improvements required to complete construction and more.

The new facility is set on 16.2 acres of property in the North Cargo Area and is anticipated to be complete within two years.

Cargo is an integral component of the economic health of both the airport and the surrounding region; it’s also essential for Governor Cuomo’s JFK Vision Plan. Officials say the airport handled approximately 1.4 million tons of cargo last year, making the airport one of the top seven across the nation in terms of cargo volume.

Currently, the airport’s regional cargo business supports around 78,000 jobs, $13.1 billion in sales and approximately $6 billion in wages.

The new facility is anticipated to yield approximately 200,000 tons of extra cargo, 5,400 regional jobs, upwards of $1.8 billion in sales and about $660 million in wages.

"The improvements the Port Authority is making to JFK's air cargo facilities are just one part of Governor Cuomo's bold vision for the future of the airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “JFK has long been one of the most important destinations in the nation, for cargo as well as passengers. Today's action continues to send a powerful message that JFK is committed to becoming a world-class operation."

As a whole, the redevelopments are intended to meet an expected boost in customer demand in the coming years. Officials say the investments will allow the airport to handle a growth level of about 15 million passengers per year as airport volumes continue to break records.

"New York's nation-leading infrastructure investments are fundamentally transforming our economy, and the new JFK Airport will continue this unprecedented growth,” said Cuomo. ”This new facility will generate significant economic output for the region, support thousands of good paying jobs and cement JFK Airport's place as a national leader in air cargo operations."

to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE