The ARK at JFK

A NYCRC-managed entity provided a $35 million loan to help fund the renovation of Building 78 at John F. Kennedy International Airport into North America’s only air cargo terminal dedicated to animals.

The loan was made to an affiliate of Racebrook Capital, the real estate company selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to oversee the construction and operation of the facility at JFK Airport. The loan funded the redevelopment of Building 78, an approximately 170,000 square foot facility on a 14-acre site with direct access to the airport’s active runway system. The building and surrounding area were redeveloped into a modern cargo handling facility as well as a U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved animal handling, import, and export complex. The renovated Building 78 is named “The ARK at JFK”.

The ARK at JFK provides 24/7 access to and from a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility, enabling the safe handling and efficient delivery of horses, pets, birds and other animals by air. Horses are transported from the plane where they walk off jet-stalls directly into the facility. There they begin required quarantine or receive immediate care and onward transportation. Regardless of the duration of their stay, all animals are looked after by accredited veterinary staff and highly-trained and caring handlers, with processes developed under guidance from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The ARK at JFK provides both airside and landside services to board, kennel, quarantine, import, export and transport large and small animals. Additional services include transportation in dedicated climate-controlled vehicles to and from aircraft, terminals, cargo facilities and other airport locations.

The east wing of the facility includes a general air cargo area that is subleased to Consolidated Aviation Services (CAS), one of North America’s largest air cargo ground handlers. CAS manages the airside ramp and oversees general airfreight for the facility including the receipt, storage, and distribution of air cargo

“While most of our airport passengers walk on two legs, this new center will serve the important travel needs of our four-legged and winged friends, while helping to create regional jobs and significant revenue for the Port Authority. The ARK at JFK is another example of agency staff seeking new ways to meet niche markets and maintaining a leadership role in the aviation industry.”

– Patrick Foye, Former Executive Director, Port Authority