New York’s JFK Terminal 8 to Welcome Avolta’s Global Retail Brands

Avolta AG has secured an 11-year duty-free contract for John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8, expanding its presence at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The agreement will see Avolta’s Dufry brand develop over 4,400 square meters of retail space, adding to the company’s growing portfolio at the New York airport.

The new contract builds on Avolta’s existing operations at Terminal 8 in travel retail, food and beverage, and specialty retail. It forms part of a USD 125 million commercial redevelopment project led by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and American Airlines, in collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The wider USD 19 billion JFK transformation aims to modernize terminals, improve passenger services, and strengthen New York’s global aviation profile.

Avolta Expands Role in JFK’s Redevelopment

Under the new agreement, Avolta’s Dufry will curate an upgraded duty-free experience at Terminal 8, introducing a mix of high-end and locally inspired retail concepts. Travelers can expect global luxury boutiques, a pre-loved designer shop, and stores showcasing the spirit and culture of New York City. The redevelopment will enhance both the retail offering and the overall traveler experience at the terminal.

Xavier Rossinyol, CEO of Avolta, said the JFK partnership represents one of the company’s most significant North American achievements in recent years. “Our wins at JFK rank among Avolta’s biggest in the North America region in recent years. They underscore the strong growth potential across all our lines of business. Our unwavering commitment to innovation continues to set new standards in airport retail and F&B and this new contract clearly demonstrates this,” said Rossinyol.

Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta, said the expansion aligns with the company’s strategy to redefine the airport shopping experience. “We have an ambitious vision to redefine the duty-free shopping experience in Terminal 8 and are proud that The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports, and American Airlines share that vision,” said Johnson. “This is a pivotal moment in JFK’s evolution, so it is an honor to be selected as the partner that will transform T8. Combined with our contracts to bring new travel convenience, specialty retail, and food & beverage concepts to the terminal, this expanded partnership will allow us to design a world-class travel experience across all lines of business.”

Part of a Major Transformation at JFK

Avolta’s multi-brand operations at JFK—through Dufry, HMSHost, and Hudson—are integral to the airport’s commercial upgrade. The company’s involvement covers duty-free retail, convenience outlets, and dining concepts designed to cater to a diverse international passenger base. With the latest addition, Avolta now holds eight contracts across JFK Airport, highlighting its expanding footprint in the U.S. travel retail market.

The Port Authority’s wider USD 19 billion plan includes the construction of two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing ones, a new ground transportation center, and a simplified roadway network. The transformation is intended to create a seamless, world-class gateway for more than 62 million passengers who pass through JFK annually. Avolta’s contribution to Terminal 8 is positioned as a cornerstone of that vision, blending luxury retail with accessible, locally themed experiences.

Terminal 8 serves as a major hub for American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, including British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar Airways. The addition of premium retail and dining options aims to align the terminal with the standards of the newly built international facilities at JFK, offering travelers more choice and comfort during transit.

The redevelopment of Terminal 8’s commercial spaces also reflects shifting passenger expectations, as airports increasingly evolve into lifestyle destinations. By integrating luxury, sustainability, and digital innovation into its design, Avolta seeks to position JFK Terminal 8 as a model for next-generation airport retail environments.

Construction and development of the new duty-free areas are expected to progress in phases alongside the ongoing Terminal 8 modernization. Once complete, the expanded retail portfolio will mark one of Avolta’s largest undertakings in North America and reinforce its long-term partnership with New York’s principal international gateway.