Some great news for pet owners who travel with their furry family members.
New York’s Kennedy Airport is trailblazing the travel world as plans are underway for the world’s first-ever comprehensive, multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility. A 30-year lease agreement with Ark Development, has been approved by the board of directors of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for this state of the art terminal.
Slated for its grand opening in early 2016, this unprecedented privately-owned facility, appropriately called “The Ark” will be designed and built by Ark Development, an affiliate of real estate corporation, Racebrook Capital. Racebrook is a private investment firm founded in 2004, formerly a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus, one of the oldest private equity firms in the world.
The Ark, a 178,000-square-foot terminal, is the first USDA-approved, 24-hour, full-service airport quarantine facility for import and export of horses, pets, birds, exotic/zoo animals and livestock. It will possess the same features as any other airport terminal, including a comfy departure lounge, as well as eateries.
According to John J. Cuticelli, Jr, the chairman of Racebrook Capital, this vision addresses “unmet needs and will set new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kennelling and quarantine services.”
For dogs and cats, the facility will house a "Paradise 4 Paws" which is the premier resort for cats and dogs with two current locations near Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports and Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport. Additionally, individual climate-controlled bedrooms for horses and cattle, as well as an onsite vet and an aviary for beloved feathered friends are set for inclusion at The Ark.
With more than 50 million people annually passing through Kennedy Airport - many traveling with companion, sporting and agricultural animals, the $43 million "Ark" terminal is sure to turn things around for man and beast alike, forever changing air travel for animals.
-Elisa