LA Airport to receive a half billion dollars renewal

Southwest Airlines helped kick-off construction of the $508-million Terminal 1 Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilman Mike Bonin, City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles Airport Commission President Sean O. Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, and Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs Bob Montgomery.

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, is expected to transform the entire passenger experience from the curb to the gate, and will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be phased to minimize inconvenience to customers, employees, and guests.

"The Terminal 1 improvement project will bring a better passenger experience and 1,500 construction jobs to LAX," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "As part of our $7 billion investment in LAX, we're remodeling every terminal and creating 40,000 jobs. Because Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport."

“The partnership we have with Southwest Airlines will create the world-class experience we want for all LAX passengers,” LAWA Executive Director Lindsey said. “As our passenger base continues to grow and change, we are working hard to increase efficiency and accommodate their needs today and in the future.”

“The Modernization of Terminal 1 at LAX has long been in our sights,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs. “The renovation within our current space at Terminal 1 will allow us to better serve our customers today as well as provide the opportunity to expand our network options alongside any growth in Customer demand.”

When completed, the passenger’s journey from curb to aircraft boarding bridge will be transformed and designed to provide a more efficient and exciting travel experience. By reorganizing the interior uses of the building and shifting the ticketing lobby and main entrances to the west, passenger drop off and pick up areas are anticipated to improve, as well as congestion in front of Terminal 1 reduced.

Westfield’s new retail and dining collection in Terminal 1 will offer 24 spaces across 25,242 square feet—nearly double the existing program. Plans include full-service restaurants along with a variety of casual and grab-and-go food offerings, as well as new high-end retail and traveler essentials. The program will open in a phased approach, with the first Westfield developed spaces scheduled to open late Summer 2015.

Source and image: LAX