British Airways will spend upwards of US$65 million (A$88m) over the next five years to upgrade its check-in, security screening and boarding gate facilities at New York JFK’s Terminal 7, along with its Galleries business class and first class lounges.

Fellow Oneworld alliance members Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Iberia and BA affiliate OpenSkies also fly from Terminal 7 at JFK, with Qantas passengers bound for Los Angeles and beyond utilising BA’s lounges before beginning their journey.

(Pictured: British Airways' current Galleries Business lounge at JFK)

However, there’s no word on when, or indeed if, British Airways’ separate Concorde Room at JFK – exclusively for BA’s own first class passengers, Concorde Room cardholders and invited Executive Club Premier members – will also get a refresh.

“We are excited to start work on a targeted investment plan to make improvements for our customers,” said British Airways Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz during a recent visit to New York.

“We have already introduced the newest aircraft in our fleet onto many of our popular routes in the US and we want to ensure the lounge facilities match that premium experience,” Cruz continued.

In New York, Qantas business class travellers, Gold-grade frequent flyers, Oneworld Sapphire cardholders and Qantas Club members enjoy access to the BA Galleries Business lounge, while Qantas Platinum frequent flyers (and above) plus other Oneworld Emerald members can instead visit the BA Galleries First lounge:

The airline is yet to clarify a specific timeline for its upgrade works at JFK, with the news coming as part of a broader US$110 million (A$148m) facility upgrade plan for the airline with improvements also earmarked for Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Miami and Houston.

Qantas also shares access to the British Airways lounges at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 for passengers travelling to Dubai, Sydney and Melbourne with the Flying Kangaroo.

Also read: British Airways cuts London City – New York flights

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