LAX: $1.545 billion development reaches its half way mark

At a cost of $1.545 billion just months remains until the first opening phase of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) in Los Angeles - in Spring 2013 both the Great Hall and the new west side boarding gates will open. Phase two East Gates, will be completed by the end of 2013. With 1.24 million square feet of new building area the new Bradley West world-class terminal will double the size of the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The terminal is the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar development programme that has already seen the completion of a $737 million renovation of TBIT that upgraded the facility with a new in-line baggage screening system and interior improvements to enhance service and convenience to the passengers and tenants who use the terminal. Designed to put the LA back into LAX, the food, beverage and retail concessions have also enjoyed an upgrade and now reflect the best of Los Angeles diverse cuisine, culture and lifestyle.

The largest construction project in LA's history has created more than 4,000 jobs during the four year schedule to enhance the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal which will mean the addition of new gates to accommodate new-generation aircraft and a Great Hall for dining, retail and passenger amenities.

Funded entirely by LAX operating revenues, capital improvement programme funds, fees from airlines, passenger facilities charges and airport revenue bond proceeds the development hasn't used any taxpayers money whatsoever.

Summary of passenger benefits

· 18 new and larger boarding gates, 9 of which can accommodate new generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380 super jumbo and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

· Dual passenger loading bridges for speedier boarding

· The Great Hall with 140,000 square feet for premier dining, shopping, amenities and club lounges

· Upgraded customs and immigration areas for more efficient passenger processing

· New facility can accommodate 4000 passengers per hour versus the current 2800

From an environmental perspective,working to strict guidelines from the airports' Sustainable Design and Construction Guidelines, the Bradley West project will optimize the use of recycled building materials and minimise the amount of energy used in construction, i.e. equipment used on-site instead of trips to and from the site. In addition the architecture and construction of the new facilities are designed to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certificate from the US Green Building Council.

Other projects in addition to the new terminal are also underway and summarized below;

· Central Utility Plant Replacement This $438-million project will replace the 50-year-old existing Central Utility Plant (CUP) with a modern energy-efficient facility with state-of-the-art computerized management systems

· Elevator, Escalator, and Moving Walkway Modernization This $270-million project will replace or refurbish 212 outdated systems with new, modern units throughout the airport - scheduled for completion in 2016

· In-line Baggage Handling and Screening System Program The In-Line Baggage Handling and Screening System Program will improve and automate the security screening of checked baggage and will make travel through LAX safer, faster and more convenient. The total cost of the program covering all nine LAX terminals is estimated at $613 million, with reimbursement expected to total $460 million from the Transportation Security Adminstration

· Terminal 5 Renovation This $229-million renovation will improve passenger service and security with a new in- line baggage screening system, expansion of the federal passenger screening check points and international passenger processing facilities - completion is scheduled for 2015

· Terminal 6 Renovation This $271-million renovation/modernization will increase lobby space, replace traditional ticketing counters with new check-in kiosks, bag-check stations, and a behind-the-scenes in-line baggage handling system - completion is scheduled for summer 2012

· Runway Status Light Project This $7-million, state-of-the-art system helps increase airfield safety by using a series of lights embedded in the pavement to warn pilots if it is unsafe to cross or enter a runway, or to take off. A prototype system was installed in June 2009 with this full system scheduled for completion by 2015