DESIGN & BUILD
Transforming LAX
Chief development officer, Bernardo Gogna, provides an update on Los Angeles International Airport’s $14.5 billion Capital Improvement Program and the recent opening of two key new facilities.
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s Los Angeles gears up to welcome the world over the course of the next seven years as the host city for Super Bowl LVI and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is focused on transforming into a world-class destination with state-of-the-art facilities. Despite the global pandemic, LAX has made significant gains on its $14.5 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP), progressing several monumental projects from planning to construction and grand openings. From airfield improvements to terminal modernisations and the $5.5 Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), LAX’s CIP is comprised of numerous critical infrastructure projects that will create a fully connected airport, both within the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and outside. After breaking ground on four major projects in 2019, LAX will celebrate four grand openings in 2021. Two of those openings took place in May and June, as LAX delivered the first two elements of a re-imagined, world-class airport – the $1.73 billion West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal and the $477.5 billion new extension to Terminal 1.
West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal The West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal is a 15-gate extension of Tom Bradley International Terminal providing a modern guest experience with cutting-edge technology, a beautifully designed interior featuring extensive use of natural light, and a state-of-the-art baggage handling system with early bag storage. The facility, which services both international and domestic flights, offers numerous comfortable seating options with thousands of places to plug in while accessing next-generation wireless services. The interior design draws upon a neighbourhood concept with the centre of the building considered the downtown area due to the
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AIRPORT WORLD/ISSUE 3, 2021
high ceilings and elevator towers. Colourful mosaic tiles pay homage to the mid-century modern design of LAX and start the transition to other neighbourhoods throughout the facility, ranging from the desert to the ocean. Additional passenger amenities include concessions, retail outlets and 30 restrooms, along with automated boarding gates, children’s play areas, nursing rooms, a quiet room and a service-animal relief area. At the recent unveiling of the new facilities, LAWA CEO, Justin Erbacci, noted that mega-projects such as the West Gates would help redefine the LAX experience for travellers.
Terminal 1 extension The extension of Terminal 1 provides increased passenger processing with an expanded shared-use ticketing lobby, security screening areas and baggage claim hall for Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Sun Country and Viva Aerobus airlines. Designed to achieve LEED Silver status for its sustainability features, the extension received a Civic Award by the US Green Building Council of Los Angeles, which recognises exceptional efforts in sustainable buildings within city or county governments. The building’s exterior façade features a mid-century modern design that aligns with the look and feel of the entire LAX Central Terminal Area. A bus depot to support operations at the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal is located on the ramp level. The facility also features a Terminal Vertical Core, which will provide access to the future pedestrian bridge that will connect to the Automated People Mover’s Center Central Terminal Area station in 2023. Later this year, the facility will also provide connection between Terminals 1 and 2 in the post-security area.
