LAX Prepares To Meet Demand, Undergoes Major Renovation
<B>LAX Prepares To Meet Demand, Undergoes Major Renovation</B>
By Erin Szeto
Los Angeles International Airport is gearing up to meet predictions that demand for commercial aviation in the five counties served by LAX will rise sharply in the next two decades--to 180 percent of the current level.
American Airlines, one of the major tenants at LAX, currently is undergoing a $245 million improvement program that includes three additional jet gates, a makeover of the main passenger checkin and ticketing counter, completely rebuilt baggage claim area with carousels twice the size of the old ones, an international arrival area that features new U.S. Customs and Immigration facilities and a new outbound baggage system that will increase AA's baggage capacity.
The extensive renovation project is mostly completed, with the opening of a new Admirals Club, First Class Lounge and Federal Inspections Service facility expected to be finished in late 2002.
"When all of the construction is complete, this is going to be a magnificent facility that will offer customers more ways to shop, dine and relax," said George Hazy, American Airlines managing director at LAX. "It's certainly going to be one of the most beautiful passenger facilities in the country."
American Airlines also is opening a new domed security area and is making improvements to Terminal 3 by modernizing its ticket and gate areas. In addition, a new shuttle bus service between Terminals three and four is anticipated in the next few months, according to AA spokesman Mark Slitt.
LAX itself recently opened The Gate Escape in Terminal 8, a full concierge service cyberport and office productivity center that allows passengers to access the Internet and e-mail, view traveler information and real-time video, or type and print a document for a cost of $5 for the first 15 minutes. Customers also can send and receive faxes, ship documents and make photocopies, among other things.
Airport officials also are developing the LAX Master Plan, an endeavor designed to meet the projected needs for air transportation. Under consideration are two proposals for an additional runway and one proposal to reconfigure the existing four runways. While no proposal has yet been chosen, all three include plans for a new terminal and concourses, an automated people mover system, direct bypass off the San Diego freeway, new cargo facilities and additional rental car facilities and parking.
Airport officials said that completion of the improvements will allow LAX to accommodate approximately 2,700 daily operations and 77 million passengers a year by 2015.