Duty Free Americas captures key duty-free contract at JFK Airport New Terminal One

USA. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), The New Terminal One and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have selected Duty Free Americas (DFA) as the exclusive duty-free partner for the eagerly anticipated New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The terminal will open in phases beginning in 2026 with completion in 2030.

Duty Free Americas will introduce a new retail brand, Skyline Duty Free, and the 20,000sq ft precinct will anchor the terminal’s ‘World’s Runway’ commercial district within the US$9.5 billion all-international terminal.

A flagship multi-level store will feature architecture that mirrors that of the terminal, alongside four additional duty-free locations throughout the terminal.

“Inspired by New York City’s skyline and dynamic energy, Skyline Duty Free will set a new standard in airport retail, featuring world-renowned powerhouse brands, made-in-NYC products and immersive shopping experiences,” said the partners.

In a key development, New Terminal One will offer a cash & carry experience, with duty-free purchases no longer held for collection at the boarding gates. At New Terminal One, customers will be able to take advantage of omnichannel retail offers, such as online click and collect and lounge deliveries.

Post-security, customers will be welcomed by ‘Love Local’, a striking storefront featuring all NYC and Queens-based makers and businesses.

Customers will then enter the heart of the terminal’s retail experience anchored by the flagship store – described as “a shopping destination that blends Fifth Avenue elegance and Art Deco flair, enhanced with a distinctive, personal touch”.

In front of the flagship store, an experiential centre, including virtual-reality simulators, fashion, art and brand activations will provide immersive, interactive moments.

This space will incorporate cultural, sports and local themes while recreating experiences from New York City neighbourhoods through brand and product debuts.

“As an all-international terminal, New Terminal One plays an important role as the region’s front door to the world,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.

“A best-in-class terminal will include an unparalleled retail experience that travellers from around the world expect to find when they come to our region.”

“Creating a uniquely New York sense of place across all new and renovated terminals is a fundamental tenet of the Port Authority’s transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class global gateway,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

“Global brands alongside locally inspired shops, public art and beautiful architecture that is evocative of New York will make the New Terminal One an appealing part of the passenger journey.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Duty Free Americas, unveiling the first of many incredible retail experiences for guests flying out of the New Terminal One,” said New Terminal One CEO Jennifer Aument.

“Showcasing unique New York City products and iconic global brands, Skyline Duty Free will offer travellers an unparalleled shopping experience – whether they are searching for the perfect gift or treat before departing our legendary city or completing their shopping adventure in the city that never sleeps.

“This investment in enhancing our guest experience reflects the strength of the New Terminal One’s value proposition and reinforces our position as the terminal of choice for international airlines serving JFK Airport.”

“Our vision is to set a new standard in the USA with our commercial programme at JFK’s New Terminal One, and Duty Free Americas is delivering on that ambition with a duty-free programme that combines the best international brands with distinctly New York City flavour,” said URW Chief Operating Officer Dominic Lowe.

“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine travel retail, and, together with our partners, we are honoured to play a role in shaping this transformational experience coming soon to travellers.”

“Duty Free Americas is extremely honoured to have been selected as the duty-free concessionaire for John F. Kennedy International Airport’s highly anticipated New Terminal One. We extend our sincere gratitude to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New Terminal One, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for this incredible opportunity,” said Duty Free Americas CEO Jerome Falic.

“As JFK’s largest terminal, New Terminal One is set to redefine international travel to and from New York, and we are excited to play a key role in shaping its retail landscape. We are especially proud to introduce Skyline, a distinctive brand flag for the terminal and a new benchmark in the global travel retail industry.

“Our innovative stores will elevate the shopping experience, providing international travellers with an unmatched selection of premium products in a dynamic and engaging setting.

“We look forward to building a strong and collaborative partnership with all stakeholders and are committed to ensuring the long-term success of this venture. Together, we will deliver a world-class duty-free destination that enhances JFK’s New Terminal One.”

A premium travel retail experience

Skyline Duty Free will feature a curated selection of luxury spirits, wines, skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionery, fashion & accessories, gifts and more; including limited-edition and ‘Only at New Terminal One’ products and collaborations.

The duty-free collection will feature:

• Independent brand boutiques and shop-in-shops showcasing renowned fashion houses and curated emerging brands;
• Retail innovations, including holographic displays, multi-sensory virtual-reality, tasting experiences, show-tending mixology bars, and AI-powered beauty treatments;
• ‘Outside In’ Local Business showcase brings the essence of New York City’s famous markets – Urbanspace, Chelsea Market, Bryant Park, and more – to the terminal with small-batch goods and locally made artisanal products celebrating local craftsmanship on a global stage. More than 1,000sq ft of local products will be prominently featured in a rotating assortment.

DFA’s joint venture includes 35% Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners, namely C&E Global Solutions (Albany), JDK19 Group (Queens), BBJ Concessions (Queens), Prevost Consulting Group (Texas), and Parkview Global (Los Angeles).

“When an ACDBE like BBJ partners in a large-scale project, it is more than just generating revenue – it is about demonstrating our expertise, making a meaningful impact, and contributing to something greater,” said BBJ Concessions owner James Phillips. “It is an investment in the local economy and a commitment to strengthening the South Jamaica community.”

“The C&E Global team fully embraces the role that the retail environment plays in JFK‘s world-class offering within the New Terminal One,” said C&E Global Solutions President and CEO Carl Andrews.

“URW and Duty Free Americas have shown a true commitment to incorporating realistic and creative roles for ACDBE Firms with airport operation experience like ours. We are honoured to be an ACDBE partner supporting Duty Free Americas’ vision to bring retail excellence to JFK, the gateway to the world.”

In partnership with the Port Authority, The New Terminal One, URW and other local stakeholders, Duty Free Americas said it is committed to empowering local vendors and JFK Airport Institute of Concessions graduates, providing a platform for them to sell their products under the ‘Love Local’ brand while offering business education and guidance.

Duty Free Americas said its local category managers will source a wide range of products, with an aim to offer merchandise that represents diverse segments, from craft distilleries to individual artisans, from emerging to established products, with continuous rotation throughout the lease term.

To further support local businesses, Skyline Duty Free will organise quarterly outreach programmes, providing local vendors opportunities to pitch their products including for seasonal markets and ‘sell for the day’ events.

The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK’s south side. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first new gates, is expected to open in 2026. Additional gates will open in subsequent phases until the project is complete in 2030.

When complete, the New Terminal One will house 23 gates and more than 300,000sq ft of retail, dining and lounge space over a total footprint of 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and the same size as LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined.