Work begins on The Ark animal handling centre at JFK

Work has commenced on The Ark, a new multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility at New York’s JFK International Airport (JFK).

Approved by the Board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The Ark animal facility will provide both airside and landside services, including a USDA-approved import quarantine, in-transit companion animal kennelling, boarding, and veterinary and diagnostic services.

The first privately owned $48 million animal airport terminal and quarantine centre, will replace an existing cargo building and 14.4 acres of surrounding ground area including large cargo aircraft ramp parking and land use for animal handling. The 178,000 square foot facility comprises of a 108,650 square foot main animal handling centre and 63,515 square foot cargo handling facility; both will operate 24 hours a day.

Once complete, The Ark at JFK will be divided into three divisions those being, an air cargo facility, a central administrative and veterinary clinic building, and an animal handling centre with pet boarding facility, veterinary clinic and diagnostic laboratory, animal import and export centre and livestock export handling system.

Demolition of the former Building 78 cargo centre has already begun marking the transition of the property from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to full control by real estate company Racebrook Capital for a lease period of 30 years.

Racebrook Chairman John J. Cuticelli, Jr. said: “We identified the highest and best use for this former cargo terminal, and after repurposing the existing steel skeletal structure, The Ark will be the first-ever, USDA-approved, full-service 24-hour airport quarantine facility for the import and export of horses, pets, birds, and livestock.”

Dr. Aaron S. Perl, Managing Director of The ARK at JFK and General Counsel of The Racebrook Portfolio Companies added: “With demand for pets and animals of all kinds transported by air escalating year on year, we recognised the need for a more humane and efficient model for this significant segment of the air travel industry.”

“The committed and enthusiastic participation by all stakeholders—including aviation and cargo industry leaders, federal, state and municipal government, public and private companies, academia and, of course, animal lovers and owners across the globe— is indicative of a shared vision and common goal that have sparked the imagination and which Racebrook and ARK Development are making a reality.”

Construction of the purpose-built facility is expected for completion in early 2016 with operations beginning thereafter.