LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles World Airports today praised the Board of Airport Commissioners' unanimous recommendation to the City Council for allocation of more than $1 billion to fund the last and largest phase of construction to modernize LAX terminals 4 and 5.
"In approving the acquisition of more than $1 billion in terminal improvements, Los Angeles World Airports is investing in a future for LAX that is environmentally sustainable, innovative and exceptional," said Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton. ``In partnership with American Airlines, LAX's new terminals 4 and 5 reflect our gold-standard vision and will create construction jobs for our local community."
American Airlines is administering the terminals' construction, expected to cost a total of $1.62 billion and part of the $14.5 billion LAX modernization, which is the largest airport project of its kind in the U.S. The project includes a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover train system with six total stations -- three inside the Central Terminal Area and three outside the CTA, which will connect the rain system to L.A. Metro and a car rental facility.
Officials expect the train system to be ready in 2023, and the full modernization project is expected to be completed ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
"LAX will deliver world-class facilities ahead of the 2028 Olympics, including modernized terminals that offer the best in design, technology and passenger experiences," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA.
"We thank our Board of Airport Commissioners and our partners at American Airlines for advancing the work taking place at Terminals 4 and 5, as we continue to deliver on our promise for a transformed LAX."
Modernization in terminals 4 and 5 include connecting the terminals to the Automated People Mover train and adding new passenger check-in and baggage claim facilities, a consolidated security screening checkpoint, a new head house area for passenger processing and a new post-security connection between the two terminals.
In Terminal 4, crews will build a new south concourse with additional space for hold rooms, concessions, restrooms and a bus gate for domestic and international traffic. The north concourse will be improved to increase efficiency for passenger movement and two existing aircraft gates will be rebuilt to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station capability.
"American Airlines is building a terminal for tomorrow, a substantial multi-year commitment to modernize our hub at LAX," said the airline's Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Kirk Hotelling. "When complete, the upgraded facility will create an entirely reimagined customer experience from end to end with a reconfigured ticketing area, more efficient security checkpoints, upgraded gate area amenities, state-of-the-art finishes and expanded retail and dining options."
The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners on July 8 approved recommendation of $1.067 billion for the Terminal 4 and 5 modernization efforts. The Los Angeles City Council will take up the item next.