Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Governor David A. Paterson and Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson today unveiled plans for the redevelopment and expansion of the Delta Air Lines Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Work on the $1.2 billion project, which was approved by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last week, will begin this September and create a state-of-the-art space for the airline and more than 10,000 jobs over the next three years; and also further establish New York City as a major tourist destination.

Today's announcement coincides with news that New York City is on track to hit record tourism numbers in 2010. The Mayor, Governor and Richard Anderson were joined at the City Hall announcement by the Dutch Minister of Transportation, Camiel Eurlings; Congressman Meeks; Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson; Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith; Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; City Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward; Jos Nijhuis, CEO of Schiphol Group; Alain Maca, President of JFKIAT; and NYC and Company CEO George Fertitta.

"Ensuring reliable air transportation to and from New York City is crucial to strengthening our economy. And the decision by Delta Air Lines to expand its international terminal at Kennedy Airport will make it easier for even more people to travel to this City in the coming years," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Not only will this $1.2 billion project cement New York City's status as the nation's top travel destination, it will also create an additional ten-thousand jobs over the next three years."

"John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, will continue its transformation into one of the nation's most state-of the-art airports with the approval of this plan and the construction of a new billion dollar extension to the international terminal," said Governor Paterson. "The Terminal 4 expansion will not only help increase customer service for thousands of travelers and bring much-needed renovations and upgrades to handle the demands of 21st Century air travel, but it will create hundreds of construction jobs for New York residents. I would like to thank Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward and Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson for their commitment to this project, and laying the groundwork for a new, world class terminal at JFK Airport."

"The newly expanded and enhanced Terminal 4, one of many substantial investments we're making in New York, will provide significant benefits to our customers, employees and the city of New York for decades to come," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Following a multi-year effort, we are very pleased to have reached a decision with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and Schiphol USA. This plan allows us to move forward with the enhancement of our terminal hub, one that will showcase modern, welcoming facilities and meet the needs of the world's most competitive and largest aviation market." .......read more