by Brianna Crandall — April 22, 2013—Facilities personnel at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and those traveling through the sixth busiest airport in the world will soon notice improvements in the Delta Air Lines terminal, as the airline has partnered with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to significantly overhaul Terminal 5 at the airport. Part of a $4.1-billion modernization of LAX, the $229-million construction project has already begun and is scheduled to take place in several phases, with full completion in 2015.
Highlights of the project include doubling the size of the ticketing lobby and federal security screening checkpoints; an exclusive Sky Priority experience with a separate lobby and checkpoint; a private VIP check-in lobby that will provide “the most elite experience available at LAX;” a renovation of the Delta Sky Club to include full-service bar, new carpet, tile, and additional recharge stations for personal electronic devices; new baggage carousels; upgraded facilities to improve international baggage recheck; and new finishes providing a cleaner, brighter customer experience. In addition, 15 new restaurants and shops featuring celebrity chefs and retail brand names “that reflect the cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles” will complete their phased openings this year.
The project is funded using approximately $12 million of Delta Air Line’s invested capital for proprietary improvements (airline lounge, check-in lobbies, finishes, other architectural elements, etc.); some $25 million in reimbursements from the Transportation Security Administration for security-screening measures; and the remainder from various LAWA funds, with no monies from the City of Los Angeles’ General Fund, notes Delta. The project is expected to support more than 200 construction-related jobs in Southern California.
Last month, Delta announced plans to increase service at LAX with daily year-round and seasonal service to 14 destinations, including eight new markets, adding 12 percent more daily seats in the market, so the announced improvements will help accommodate the increased traffic. Customers flying from Los Angeles also benefit from Delta’s agreements with domestic partner Alaska Airlines and key international carriers.
