LAX Midway Through International Terminal Renovations

Los Angeles International Airport is halfway finished with renovations to its Tom Bradley International Terminal designed to provide travelers with a safer, faster and more comfortable traveling experience. The airport plans to complete renovations, which include updating security systems, in 2010.

The $724 million renovation of the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX will include major reconstruction to the departure/ticketing lobby, interior renovations to the arrivals corridors and waiting areas, and gate modifications to accommodate Boeing 747s and a new generation of larger jets.

Many of the new amenities are geared to the business traveler, including lounges on the fourth and fifth floors of Tom Bradley International Terminal that offer first and business class travelers such resources as Wi-Fi access, individual workstations and business center amenities.

The three expanded first and business class lounges were funded separately by the major airline alliances: Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star. The airport also renovated a fourth lounge, not affiliated with any airline. Originally, the airport had 16 lounges. Renovations have increased the original square footage by 72 percent, providing a more open environment and larger lounge area. The $20 million project was completed in February 2008.

The airport not only is adding comfort, it is working on making passengers safer. The international terminal is in the process of building a $140 million in-line baggage security screening system. It will use this screening facility in place of the large explosive detection systems currently in the terminal. The removal of the old structures will reduce passenger congestion in the lobby.

The airport also is upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, signage, paging and airline information displays, elevators and escalators, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and fire safety and security processes.

The terminal also is taking steps to become environmentally friendly. The installation of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will make the terminal more energy-efficient. The renovation program is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and Tom Bradley International Terminal has registered for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Existing Building designation. The renovations also include the use of waste recycled or salvaged goods. The terrazzo floors and metal ceilings are comprised of 70 percent to 80 percent recycled materials.

These renovations will provide a much-needed face-lift for the terminal. "The Bradley Terminal was constructed in 1984," said chief airport engineer Intissar Durham, "and hence is in need of major upgrade/renovation/modernization in addition to providing a new security baggage screening system."