Ali Joins the Senior Leadership Team Managing
Terminal 7 and Developing a New World-Class Terminal 6 at JFK
Airport
QUEENS,
N.Y., July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage
Group today announced the appointment of Karen Ali as Chief Operating Officer at JFK
Millennium Partners (JMP), the Vantage-led company selected by the
Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey (PANYNJ) to manage JFK
Terminal 7 and lead the development and operation of a new JFK
Terminal 6, part of the PANYNJ's $19
billion transformation of JFK airport. Ali joins Vantage's
senior leadership team at JFK with nearly 20 years of experience in
operations management, project leadership, and business
transformation across a range of sectors, including
aviation.
![JFK Millennium Partners and Vantage Group logos JFK Millennium Partners and Vantage Group logos](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461381/VantageGroup_Logo.jpg)
Reporting to Steve Thody, CEO of JMP, Ali will develop and
deliver a world-class plan that prioritizes operational excellence,
guest experience, and financial performance at the existing
Terminal 7, and at the new Terminal 6 when its first gates open to
passengers in 2026. Key responsibilities include leading the
delivery of outstanding safety, security and operational
performance, delivering an exceptional and seamless experience to
all project stakeholders, maximizing commercial revenue through
aeronautical and non-aeronautical programs, and implementing
processes and driving metrics for JMP and its partners.
"It's an exciting time to join our Vantage Group-JMP team
as we enter a pivotal stage in T6's development while continuing to
manage a very active and thriving Terminal 7 operation," said
Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium
Partners. "Karen's extensive experience in operations management
and business growth are an excellent fit for our $4.2 bn T6 transformation, and we couldn't be
happier to have her onboard."
"We warmly welcome Karen into her new role as COO at Vantage's
latest airport terminal transformation," said George Casey, Vantage Group Chair and CEO, and
Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners. "Karen joins a growing
and dynamic group of seasoned senior leaders that are transforming
transportation experiences at Vantage Group's airport terminals, in
the New York market and
beyond."
"I am excited to join the Vantage and JFK Millennium
Partners team as we create a world-class new Terminal 6 at JFK,"
said Karen Ali, Chief Operating
Officer, JFK Millennium Partners. "I look forward to contributing
to the existing operational excellence and creating innovative
guest experiences that will become hallmarks of our future 1.2
million square foot terminal."
A key member of JMP's senior leadership team, Karen will
oversee terminal operations, customer experience, budget and
capital projects, risk management, and people leadership. She will
also serve as a critical liaison during the Terminal 6 construction
phase, collaborating with capital development and construction
teams to ensure a smooth transition from old to new facilities,
including coordination, testing, commissioning, and
implementation.
An accomplished senior professional, Ali has held various senior
management positions over nearly a decade-long period
at WestJet, including Regional Operations Manager for the
airline's international operations which included the New York airports. Additionally, as Director
of Operations for Lynx Air, Ali implemented and oversaw all
systems, processes, workflows, and procedures during the airline's
start-up phase. Ali most recently was COO at Avi & Co., a
luxury watch retailer, where she led ecommerce, logistics, sales,
and marketing strategies, increasing profitability and business
performance.
About Vantage Group
Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation
investment, development, management, and advisory services. Since
1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an
award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that
integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex
transportation challenges at every network location. Over three
decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized
solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that
benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve.
Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair
Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and
transportation sectors. Visit vantagegroup.com to learn
more.
About JFK Terminal 6
Currently under construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and part of the
Port Authority of New York &
New Jersey's $19 billion redevelopment of JFK airport,
Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first five
gates opening in early 2026 and construction completion expected by
2028. New York City-inspired
retail, dining options and amenities totaling nearly 100,000 square
feet will create a unique New York
sense of place. Terminal 6 airlines and their passengers will enjoy
a boutique-style, world-class terminal that is digital-first,
efficient and full of the latest passenger conveniences, technology
and amenities, including:
- 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft
- Less than 5 minute average walking distance from the TSA
security screening exit to gates
- State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border
control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies
- One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with
airline-branded passenger drop-off zones
- Up to five airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals
lounge
- Digital concierge services
- A new ground transportation center
- A curated collection of New York
City-inspired artwork featuring local and international
artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and
the Port Authority of New York
& New Jersey
- Sustainably-sourced building materials, rooftop solar power,
and energy efficient systems and operating practices throughout the
Terminal
- Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold),
Envision and SITES underway
About JFK Millennium Partners
Terminal 6 is an award-winning public-private partnership between
the Port Authority of New York
& New Jersey and JFK
Millennium Partners – a consortium that includes Vantage Group, an
industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-winning
global transportation projects, including LaGuardia Airport's
Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor,
owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an
innovative New York real estate
investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways, New York's hometown airline. When complete,
Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an
anchor terminal on JFK International Airport's north side. For more
information, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/
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SOURCE JFK Millennium Partners