US. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has unveiled the north concourse and three gates of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (New TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in a major milestone toward completion of the US$1.5 billion project. The gates are the first of 18 to be built at New TBIT.
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“The overall goal of the LAX Modernization Program is to dramatically improve the passenger experience with a building designed to capture the spirit of Los Angeles“ |
Gina Marie Lindsey Executive Director Los Angeles World Airports |
The unveiling, which was attended by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, LAWA and Singapore Airlines (SIA) executives, also represented the opening of the project’s first phase this summer.
Phase 1 includes a Great Hall with 150,000sq ft of premium dining and shopping (including an extensive duty free offer from DFS Group), airline lounges, and other passenger amenities, including a play area for children. It also features nine new boarding gates on the west side of the terminal.
Phase 2, which includes the gates on the east side of the terminal and expanded areas for federal passenger security screening and customs and immigration processing, is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
Nine of the 18 gates – including two of the three unveiled this week – can accommodate the larger, new-generation aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and Airbus A-380 super jumbo jets. All 18 gates will use state-of-the-art, laser-based, visual guidance docking systems, while computerised passenger boarding bridges automate the operations between the terminal and aircraft doors. Three passenger boarding bridges will be installed at all of the new A380-compatible gates, which will greatly improve the amount of time to load and unload an aircraft, LAWA said.
At the boarding gates, electrical outlets and USB ports for charging personal electronic equipment, such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops, are installed at each bank of seats. Free Wi-Fi service – already accessible throughout LAX terminals – is also available.
“We’re investing in LAX because it isn’t just a travel hub, it’s the gateway to the Pacific Rim and a central driver of our regional economy,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “With these modernisations at the New TBIT, LAX will showcase our city’s innovative spirit and ensure we remain competitive in the global market for years to come.”
Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey added: “The overall goal of the LAX Modernization Program is to dramatically improve the passenger experience with a building designed to capture the spirit of Los Angeles, while establishing new levels of passenger convenience and comfort. We are creating an airport that is safer and more secure, more energy-efficient, and customer-friendly with the types of services and amenities passengers demand today.”
In 2012, LAX served nearly 63.7 million passengers, of which nearly 17.2 million (or 27 percent) were international travellers. The Tom Bradley International Terminal served 8.6 million (or 50%) of LAX’s total international passengers.
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Nine of the 18 gates at New TBIT can accommodate the larger, new-generation aircraft |
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At the boarding gates, electrical outlets and USB ports for charging personal electronic equipment are installed at each bank of seats |
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Completion of the three gates and the interior of the north concourse represent the opening of the New TBIT project’s first phase this summer, which includes a Great Hall with 150,000sq ft square feet of premium dining and shopping |
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