The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport today announced Jennifer Aument as its incoming CEO, set to assume the role on April 1, 2024. The New Terminal One is currently under construction with its first gates scheduled to open in 2026, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as part of the agency’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport.
Aument brings over 25 years of experience in developing major infrastructure across the highway, rail, airport, and port sectors. Her career includes executive roles in public-private partnerships and megaprojects, with a focus on safe and efficient project delivery, business performance, community engagement and customer experience. As the president and CEO of Transurban’s North American business for many years, she led the development and expansion of significant public-private infrastructure projects. Additionally, her decade-long tenure as a commissioner for the Virginia Port Authority gave her extensive insights into port operations and development. Earlier in her career, she played a key role in the development of the largest-ever extension of the Washington DC Metrorail for Bechtel.
Most recently, Aument served as chief executive of AECOM’s global transportation business, where she led a team of more than 14,000 to deliver innovative transportation solutions for clients of the industry’s preeminent transportation consulting and design firm. Previously, she spearheaded Transurban’s North American development, construction and operations as president and CEO, contributed to various publicly listed and private boards in the transportation and technology sectors, and shared her knowledge as a lecturer at Cornell University.
“I am excited to soon begin my role with the New Terminal One team and build upon the exceptional foundation that has been laid here,” said Aument. “Significant progress has positioned us well, and I look forward to working with the Port Authority and our partners in the community to set a new global standard for customer experience. My passion for infrastructure drives me and there is no better example than the New Terminal One of the transformative power of infrastructure on communities and economies. I’m thrilled to contribute to its legacy.”
She takes the helm from Dr. Gerrard Bushell, the current CEO. Dr. Bushell led The New Terminal One to lease and financial close amidst a global pandemic that disrupted air travel. He also executed on key partnerships, construction, and operational milestones and agreements; including a path-breaking Project Labor Agreement and alternative dispute resolution agreement with the Building Trades, a $3.9 billion guaranteed maximum price for the Phase A design and construction with AECOM Tishman and Gensler, strong community engagement supporting local workforce participation, and the successful delivery of nearly $800 million in awards for minority and women-owned businesses, as well as the purchase of more than 85% of the project’s trade packages. More recently, he oversaw the successful issuance of $2 billion in green bonds for the project in December 2023 to support the scheduled delivery of the project for 2026.
“We thank Gerrard for his many contributions over the years, making this project the success that it is today,” said Luke Bugeja, chairman of the board of directors of JFK NTO LLC and CEO of Ferrovial Airports. “We look forward to welcoming Jennifer to the New Terminal One team. Her dedication and passion for this industry will now bring her global vision, market insight, and energy to lead in delivering this world-class terminal to New York City, committed to local communities and travelers worldwide.”
“Jennifer brings an impressive depth of experience and a proven track record that strongly positions her to lead our project into the next phase,” Dr. Bushell remarked. “I want to express my deep gratitude to our sponsors and our exceptional team, whose commitment to excellence has been unwavering. Leading this project from the start has been both a privilege and an honor, and I’m looking forward to witnessing NTO’s continued success.”
The New Terminal One is backed by a group of industry leaders including Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico and Carlyle, illustrating the enduring pursuit of excellence that defines the project.