Trending
Taking off: American Air to start work on $1.6B overhaul at LAX
Development projects are also popping up around the airport, as it undergoes other large upgrades
American Airlines is starting work on the massive renovation of its terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, a decade-long project that is the biggest in the carrier’s history.
The $1.6 billion overhaul had its groundbreaking Wednesday, and will add more gates, larger bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows to Terminals 4 and 5, according to the Los Angeles Times.
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said the airport was chosen for the upgrade because of its international clientele and increased traffic from Asia. Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines are in the middle of their own redevelopment projects there.
A rendering of American Airlines’ $1.6 billion overhaul of LAX (Image via American Airlines)
American’s planned construction is one of a series of development projects at LAX. The city’s Los Angeles World Airports, which owns and operates LAX, broke ground on a $1.6 billion concourse dubbed Midfield Satellite Concourse in early 2017.
Construction is also expected to start soon on the $4.9 billion People Mover elevated train that will connect the airport to the Metro.
Airport officials gave the green light to negotiate a contract to build a $1 billion consolidated car rental facility.
While ranked among the busiest airports in the world, LAX has also been labeled as having among the worst transit options.
The massive plans for the airport have also spurred investment in the surrounding area, particularly for hotel properties.
Investors have scooped up hotels and development sites to build them immediately around the airport. [Los Angeles Times]— Dennis Lynch