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LAX Opens New Terminal 1 Extension

Mayor Eric Garcetti celebrated the opening of a new extension of Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a $477.5 million facility that offers a new passenger check-in lobby, security screening system, baggage claims, and a 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. "When it comes to investments and innovation, our airport is in a league of its own — and with the introduction of Terminal 1.5, LAX is completing another leg in its journey toward a stronger future." 

Known as Terminal 1.5 during construction, the expansion includes the first Terminal Vertical Core to open at LAX, where elevators and escalators will provide passengers with access to a pedestrian bridge that will connect to the future APM's Central Terminal Area station. 

The facility includes two new baggage carousels on the Arrivals Level; additional ticket counters on the Departures Level; and a six-lane Transportation Security Administration checkpoint inside the Concourse. A dedicated airfield shuttle will run between this Terminal and the new West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, which will bring travelers to their flights in 10 minutes or less. 

"The expanded Terminal 1 will not only improve the passenger experience at LAX by providing a seamless connection to Terminal 2, the Automated People Mover and the regional rail system, but will also create a priceless first impression for thousands of annual visitors who will travel through a bright, modern and futuristic facility with stunning architecture, public art and sculpture," said Councilmember Joe Buscaino. "This project, along with the entire LAX modernization program, will ensure Los Angeles is ready to welcome passengers from across the globe to major events on the horizon, like the Super Bowl, the World Cup and the Olympics."

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. Construction for the project began in 2017 and employed a total of 2,955 workers, with over 30% coming from local communities. 

"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, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "With environmentally conscious features that helped earn LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, this facility showcases LAWA's vision of boldly moving to zero."

 "We stand here today at the intersection of our past and future and on the cusp of a reimagined LAX that continues to put a focus on elevating the guest experience with world-class facilities," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. "Over the past two weeks, two of these state-of-the-art facilities have opened, setting the stage for the new LAX we have promised, and are now delivering."

 "As the largest airline in California carrying more travelers 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."

LAX is in the midst of a $14.5 billion Capital Improvement Program, the largest airport project of its kind in the nation. The overhaul touches all nine passenger terminals and builds new facilities, including an Automated People Mover train; a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility; and the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West, a 4,300 stall parking structure. In November 2020, Mayor Garcetti announced that the Delta Sky Way transformation project, a $1.86 billion project to modernize and upgrade Terminals 2 and 3, is 18 months ahead of schedule. Last week, Mayor Garcetti dedicated the opening of the West Gates — a $1.73 billion investment that adds 15 gates and 750,000 square feet just west of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. 

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