Introduction

The United States aviation system accounts for roughly 5% of the US GDP (Federal Aviation Administration, 2011). It occupies a very storied and rich history in the minds of Americans. Airplanes often symbolize mans triumph of nature and their ability to accomplish a goal that was once thought impossible. Today, airports are critical elements within the global infrastructure framework. For one, air transportation is a key component of the wider economic, political, and social processes that have been developed throughout the world. They provide much needed access to efficient and cost-effective modes of travel. The also help increase adoption, utilization rates and growth of certain industries. The travel and tourism industry for example, is heavily predicated on efficient and properly functioning airports. They also help facilitate the exchange of goods and services around the world. In fact, much of the increase in globalization that has been realized in recent years can be attributed to airports (Button, 2000). According to the International Air Transport Association, international passengers contribute $116 Billion to the United States economy annually (International Air Transport Association, 2020). These globalization benefits compound if international travelers stay in the United States for an extended period. Likewise, a lack of severe decline in air transportation can have an adverse impact on the overall health of an economy as goods, services, and people are transported in a much more inefficient manner.

As it relates to American airports, one of the most frequented and controversial airports is John F. Kennedy International Airport. As one of the three major airports servicing the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area, it occupies an entrenched position within the community and the overall American economy. Its services over 50 million passengers annually and is heavily influenced by foreign tourism. The airport was the first to pioneer the unit terminal concept in which a central terminal is comprised of other separate terminate with distinct characteristics related to each. This system has since been improved upon using 8.1-mile guideway system known as Air Train. This system essentially connects passengers within the JFK terminals with a subway system that helps to increase efficiencies, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall customer experience. Through these innovations, JFK looks to position itself as an efficient and effective airport...

Kennedy International Airport first opened in 1948 as New York international airport. Today, John F. Kennedy International Airport is the nations busiest airport as it is a central hub that connects America to the rest of the world. Currently the airport support roughly 300,000 jobs within the New York area, paying out $18 Billion in wages. Due in part to heavy tourism, the airport generates roughly $56 Billion of sales annually. The port authority of New York and New Jersey manages the airport. The current budget is allocated $76 million for new air train operations within the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The agency is allocated a total of $2.1 Billion to New Yorks three airports. As noted in Section 6, the agency along with the state of New York are providing funds to significantly improve the operations of John F. Kennedy International Airport. These operations, which are expected to be completed in 2023 will redevelop terminals, relocate cargo facilities, create new roadways and much more. As it relates to the financial status of the agency, according to its latest report, it has over $69B in assets and $30B in liabilities. On the asset side of the balance sheet, its assets consist of $60 in investment in facilities....…are now nearly two decades old. Fortunately, John F. Kennedy International Airport, is a storied and iconic airport that occupies a unique niche within the overall travel industry. It is characterized as an introduction of America to the world due to the heavily influence of tourism on its operations. John F. Kennedy International Airport is one the busiest airports in the world with rough 50 to 60 million people using its services annually. Between 30,000 and 40,000 commercial flights depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport alone. It also supports the overall New York economy by directly support 300,000 jobs and $18 Billion of wages. More important, John F. Kennedy International Airport is very important to the overall nation. The airport facilitates the global exchange of materials, products, goods, and people daily. It helps make the overall economy more efficient using air travel. Although the airport is very important and iconic it is not without its faults. For one the airport needs to improve its operational efficiencies. Due to its position as one of the busiest airports, it must improve its ability to quickly transfer and facilitate individual movement throughout its terminals. Many of the terminals themselves are older and obsolete. Their appearance does not reflect the innovative infrastructure of America and must also be upgraded. To address these concerns the New York legislature have engaged in an ambitious project designed to make John F. Kennedy International Airport, the airport of the future. This plan is designed to improve many of the faults within the airport by improvementground transportation, enhancing terminals, provided better security, and providing better amenities. The idea is to position John F. Kennedy International Airport as the worlds leading airport and to help further increase the nations ability to transport goods and services. The project is roughly…