Steve Johnson, President and CEO North America, Avolta.

Avolta has secured two transformative contracts to boost the traveller experience at JFK International Airport’s Terminal 5, JetBlue’s flagship hub.

Through its subsidiaries Hudson and HMSHost, Avolta will introduce a mix of dining, retail, and entertainment options, reinforcing its strategic expansion at the airport.

Hudson’s seven-year contract will bring a Manhattan-inspired retail concept, Park Ave Emporium, to Terminal 5.

Designed for convenience, the store will feature self-checkout, locally sourced souvenirs, gifts and travel essentials, capturing the essence of New York’s Park Avenue.

Hudson will also launch Gameway, the terminal’s first premium video gaming lounge.

This space will offer high-end console and PC gaming stations, retro games, and refreshments, with the aim of creating an engaging entertainment hub for JetBlue’s diverse customer base.

The gaming lounge aims to redefine airport downtime, appealing to travellers seeking unique experiences.

HMSHost dining venues

Meanwhile, under a 10-year agreement, HMSHost will debut six new dining venues spanning 725sq m, set to open this year.

These will celebrate New York’s vibrant culinary scene with authentic and locally inspired flavours.

Key concepts include Benateri’s, Big Bourbon Bar NYC, Eataly, Dos Toros Taqueria and Chopt.

A sixth venue, a locally inspired restaurant and bar designed exclusively for Terminal 5, will further enhance the dining portfolio.

Avolta President and CEO North America Steve Johnson commented: “New York’s world-class culinary scene deserves to be reflected in its airport dining. We’re honoured by the confidence of Fraport USA, JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in our vision to transform Terminal 5.

“We appreciate the confidence that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA and JetBlue have in us and our joint-venture partners and that they share in our excitement to transform the traveller experience. 2025 will be a landmark year for Hudson and HMSHost as we expand our retail and F&B operations in several terminals at JFK, one of the busiest airports in North America.”

Awarded by Fraport USA, the concessions developer selected by JetBlue, the contracts build on Avolta’s recent expansions in JFK Terminals 4 and 8.

With operations already in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and new locations planned for Terminal 6 in late 2025, Avolta continues to grow its footprint.

Serving 2.5 billion passengers annually across 1,000 global locations, the retailer aligns these developments with its commitment to sustainable, profitable growth and meaningful community impact, positioning Terminal 5 as a premier travel destination.