An estimated $1.6 billion in improvements are planned for Terminals 4 and 5 at Los Angeles International Airport, officials announced Friday.
The upgrades projected over the next 15 years by American Airlines include a new vertical circulation core with connection to the planned automated people mover train, unifying the passenger check-in and baggage claim areas, improvements to the check-in facilities in Terminal 5, centralizing the terminals’ security screening checkpoint and connecting the terminals on both sides of the building.
American Airlines submitted a letter of intent for the upgrades as part of a negotiation of a new 15-year lease agreement with Los Angeles World Airports.
“This is a substantial commitment on the part of American, and our Board of Airport Commissioners will soon be reviewing the details of the new lease,” said Deborah Flint, CEO of LAWA.
“Today we want to make sure American knows we are so appreciative of their support and willingness to support our efforts to make LAX and Los Angeles a preeminent destination in the world. I’m so pleased that American shares our excitement for the future of this great airport, and wants to partner with us to achieve our vision to create a world-class airport,” she said.
The improvements would be implemented by tearing down the lobby areas of the terminals one section at a time while maintaining normal operations. The agreement also opens up the possibility of American Airlines receiving additional gates.
“This investment will not only improve the customer experience, but it also will give our employees a better place to work every day while allowing us to continue to grow in the marketplace,” said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines.
“We are committed to being the preferred airline at LAX, and we couldn’t do that without the more than 6,500 American Airlines team members making sure our 225 flights a day get out safely and on time. Our customers are counting on these team members to validate the trust they place in us each time they step onboard one of our aircraft,” he said.
–City News Service