The transformation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is gathering pace, with Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, unveiling a $477.5 million extension to Terminal 1 on Friday – the second new addition to LAX’s infrastructure in the space of a few weeks after the opening of Tom Bradley International Terminal’s West Gates.
The latest development that added increased capacity with new passenger check-in lobby, security screening, baggage claims and future connection to the Automated People Mover (APM) train system.
“LAX is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation that will help redefine 21st century travel, restart our economy, and reshape how Los Angeles greets the world,” said Mayor Garcetti.
The addition to Terminal 1, which was described as Terminal 1.5 during construction, includes the first of seven Terminal Vertical Cores to open at LAX. In the Terminal 1 core, elevators and escalators will provide passengers access to a pedestrian bridge that will connect to the future APM train system’s Center Central Terminal Area (CTA) station.
The building also includes two new baggage carousels on the Lower/Arrivals Level, additional ticket counters on the Upper/Departures Level and a six-lane Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint on the Concourse Level.
“LAX is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation that will help redefine 21st century travel, restart our economy, and reshape how Los Angeles greets the world,” said Mayor Garcetti.
The addition to Terminal 1, which was described as Terminal 1.5 during construction, includes the first of seven Terminal Vertical Cores to open at LAX. In the Terminal 1 core, elevators and escalators will provide passengers access to a pedestrian bridge that will connect to the future APM train system’s Center Central Terminal Area (CTA) station.
The building also includes two new baggage carousels on the Lower/Arrivals Level, additional ticket counters on the Upper/Departures Level and a six-lane Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint on the Concourse Level.
Hensel Phelps served as the general contractor on the Terminal 1.5 project, while PGAL was the architect. Construction began in 2018, with a total of 2,955 workers, including 31.5% local workers, involved in the project. Of 1,008,300 hours worked, 30.2% were by local workers.
The 283,000-square-foot extension of Terminal 1 will connect to Terminal 2 behind security when the terminal connector is completed this fall, allowing passengers to move between the two buildings without having to be re-screened and providing another access point for greater flexibility.
The new portion of Terminal 1 works together with the recent renovations to create a cohesive experience for passengers, and also meets LAWA’s responsibility to be a sustainability leader in the aviation industry,” said Sean Burton, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners.
“With environmentally conscious features that helped earn LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council, this facility showcases LAWA’s vision of boldly moving to zero.”
LAWA CEO, Justin Erbacci, said: “The opening of this Terminal 1 extension is another major step toward a fully transformed and fully connected LAX.
“It provides a further glimpse of our incredible future – one that will offer world-class facilities, setting the stage for a reimagined LAX.”
Southwest Airlines, which has 13 gates in Terminal 1, gained a third baggage carousel and three additional ticket counters in the new portion of the building, as well as space on the fourth floor for offices.
The airline’s crew base is also housed in the new facility. Southwest passengers can use the new extension to go through security screening before heading to their gate.
“As the largest airline in California carrying more travellers to, from, and within the state going on two decades, this world-class facility opens the door for continued growth and access to our growing network — especially to Hawaii,” said Gary Kelly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines.
“I applaud the city of Los Angeles for their vision to invest in critical infrastructure and being good partners to bring this world-class facility to life.”
