true. I just want to know which plan is more likely.

Green Line extension to Century/Aviation with a connection to a people mover.

(in reply to xXFallenXx) According to the article posted recently in here, that “is the centerpiece of the current modernization program,” so if it is the centerpiece, it obviously is not the entire project, also I am hearing now it will be including the Green Line stuff we are talking about here... however I have not read or heard about the people movers with all this talk, however Green Line has been mentioned.

I'm kinda confused. How does the just approved $1.3b fit into this project?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/3048136265_f442dd7e83_b.jpg

Is everything new in this picture being built, or just part of it?

Only the Bradley West project. The Midfield Satellite Concourse, arch bridge, and passenger processing facility will come later.

oops, my reply was wrong. oh well. thanks for clearing that up. I was replying about how it fits in the entire plan, not just the part approved (i should read better, but i am tired)

(in reply to xXFallenXx) According to the article posted recently in here, that “is the centerpiece of the current modernization program,” so if it is the centerpiece, it obviously is not the entire project, also I am hearing now it will be including the Green Line stuff we are talking about here... however I have not read or heard about the people movers with all this talk, however Green Line has been mentioned.

Only the Bradley West project. The Midfield Satellite Concourse, arch bridge, and passenger processing facility will come later.
Ok, that helps a lot. Thanks guys. :cheers:

oops, my reply was wrong. oh well. thanks for clearing that up. I was replying about how it fits in the entire plan, not just the part approved (i should read better, but i am tired)

^ You were drunk really!

Considering that L.A./Ontario is currently operating at about a third of the facility's capacity, what is the logic of L.A.W.A. spending so much to expand LAX?

LA/Ontario does not really have much of an international terminal. They only have 1 international arriving airline, and that is from Mexico. So it is far from being able to take the international relief off of LAX. I do not think LA/Ontario has much room to expand to a massive international terminal. Most international arrivals the Los Angeles Area have to use a remote gate at LAX, and be shuttled to the actual terminal building. That is just sad. (and I have gone through that myself)

I personally think LA/Ontario needs to handle more domestic flights.

LAX Receives 43 Vendor Bids for Terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8 (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_13672469#at)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
October 29, 2009

Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday received 43 bid applications from companies wanting to operate shops and eateries in Terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8.

Airport staff will now evaluate 25 proposals to operate eateries, along with 18 retail applications, said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of LAX.

The Board of Airport Commissioners is expected to award the concession contracts in early 2010.

"We are gratified and very excited about the number of responses we received, especially in the midst of this unpredictable economy," Lindsey said. "We are particularly encouraged by the number and diversity of proposals that include local Los Angeles brands and businesses."

Companies that open shop at LAX will be required to invest at least $650 per square foot to refurbish their units, along with rental payments of 12 to 21 percent of their gross annual income, according to an airport report released in May.

LAX offers significantly less room for shops and restaurants than most major airports across the country, offering only 5.1 square feet of concession space for every 1,000 people passing through the airport with an average spending of $7.85 per passenger, according to a report released last year.

It is really great to see that there are plans. I travel the world and while I love the easy in and out access of LAX (trust me) it is depressing to see it become so dilapidated over the years with virtually none of the classy shopping that you see elsewhere. It is old, worn and needs an update BADLY!

Hurry!

LA Council Approves LAX Bradley Terminal Contracts (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_13714682)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
November 4, 2009

The Los Angeles City Council signed off Wednesday on a pair of construction contracts totaling $1.13 billion aimed at expanding facilities for overseas travelers and super-sized jumbo jetliners passing through Los Angeles International Airport.

Under the terms of the contracts, Walsh Austin Joint Venture will be charged with adding 1 million square feet to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The contractor will also build nine new airline gates capable of accommodating the next generation of jetliners, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with two of those gates set to open in January 2012.

Construction of the massive terminal expansion, dubbed "Bradley West," is expected to start in January and wrap by mid-2013, funded primarily by the sale of airport bonds and fees charged to the airlines and passengers.

"This is a great day for us," said Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, whose district includes LAX.

"It's getting better every day at LAX," he said. "We're seeing the progress being made."

The Bradley terminal's old concourse area will be demolished, while two entirely new concourses will be built on the north and south sides of the building, leading to the addition of 1 million square feet for ticketing desks, baggage claim areas, security screening, lounges, shops and restaurants.

Plans also call for expanding the federal customs inspection area and building a pair of secured corridors connecting with Terminals 3 and 4 to provide easier access for airline passengers catching another flight.

"We're not just adding some gates to the other side of the terminal. We're building an entirely new terminal and expanding it out west," said Airport Commission President Alan Rothenberg.

"With the approval of these contracts, we will literally be ready to put the shovel in the ground and get to work," he said. "And we pledge we will do it on time and on budget."

LAX's goal to complete the new airline gates within four years comes from an outdated projection that the airport by 2012 would serve 14 to 16 daily Airbus A380 flights, more than any other North American airport.

Officials now expect to handle nine daily Airbus A380 flights by 2012 because the global recession has forced the airlines to slow their demands for the behemoth, double-decked jetliner.

"They are still coming, but it's going to be slowed down," said Gina Marie Lindsey, LAX's executive director.

Last month, the council approved an environmental impact report for the Bradley West project, which was green-lighted as part of a legal settlement reached in 2005 with the county, three airport-adjacent cities and a community group opposed to airport expansion.

Officials expect the Bradley project to generate an estimated 4,000 construction jobs, even as fewer overseas travelers are passing through LAX due to the recession.

"This is our economic stimulus package in Los Angeles," Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn said. "We want to make sure everyone benefits from this."

This thread should be called, Los Angeles International Airport | LAX

^ It's for all airports; we just happen to focus on LAX.

^ It's for all airports; we just happen to focus on LAX.

LAX is simply the most important airport in the area. So it deserves it's own thread to keep the conversation flowing. There should be another Airport thread that combines:

John Wayne Airport
Burbank Airport
Long Beach Airport
SB Airport

..........we should have a thread specifically for LAX, I think this one is a prime candidate, and anther one for other LAWA airports.
Mods can move the pots relative to the other LAWA airports to the new thread.

That doesn't seem right to me. The airports relate to each other and in some cases having the same funding authority. It would strike me as odd that someone would be interested in one but not in all.

^ Thank you. The current format is fine the way it is.

Pink's Hot Dogs to Open at LAX in 2010 (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_13766071)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
November 11, 2009

L.A.'s top dog selected the official hot dog for Los Angeles International Airport this week.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday night taste-tested three finalists selected for the official "LAX International Dog" that will be served up when renowned eatery Pink's Hot Dogs opens a stand in the Tom Bradley International Terminal by the start of 2010.

The winning entry was submitted by airport employee Timothy Ihle, whose hot dog was topped with chili, bacon, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, and chopped tomatoes.

Ihle will also be featured on the celebrity wall at the original Pink's hot dog stand at La Brea and Melrose avenues in Hollywood, which opened in 1939.

"LAX is delighted to add this legendary Hollywood eatery to the dining opportunities in Tom Bradley International Terminal," said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of LAX.

I ain't having no Pink's before a flight :ohno:

Fine, let's keep this format :)

I've never had Pink's, I went twice and decided I was too favoo to stand there between Lindsey Lohan and Wayne Brady for an hour for a hot dog. :(

never had to wait there for an hour (or even 20 minutes) for a hot dog and i've been there countless times. i doubt the line for a pink's hot dog at an airport will have as much traffic as the original hot dog stand.

^^ No way... is it the innagural flight by any chance?

77L = Boeing 777 Long Range model... :banana: So send me a post card from Dubai!

Not sure if it was the innagural flight but it was packed. Great service even though I flew coach. The Bradley terminal needs some work though (shopping, bars near gates, etc).

Did you go somewhere, LosAngelino? Is that your picture?

Did you go somewhere, LosAngelino? Is that your picture?

Yes, All mine. Looks unreal doesn't it? Dubai is nuts... even with the slow down.

This building is still being worked on at the base. Last time I saw it was two years ago.

Is there no Starbucks yet at the Tom Bradley Intl Terminal? Last time I was there (December 2008) there was no place in the terminal in which to buy a decent cup of coffee, I hope this has changed!

Their is and has been a coffee shop upstairs. It has a big muffin on its signage.

Flyaway Bus Service Between Irvine Station and LAX Offers Easy Parking, Transportation. Irvine Station, at 15215 Barranca Parkway, will have 500 parking spaces, where FlyAway passengers can park for free for up to 30 days.

Airport Board Earmarks Funds for Bradley Expansion (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_13945732)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
December 7, 2009

The Board of Airport Commissioners on Monday earmarked more than $205.5 million for the ongoing expansion of the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.

The money will allow Walsh Austin Joint Venture to establish management facilities at LAX, set up steel frames for new airline gates and build a temporary bus terminal used by passengers who must be shuttled from outlying airline gates.

The deal is included in $1.13 billion worth of construction contracts awarded to Walsh Austin earlier this year.

In a related move, the commission awarded nearly $96 million to Flatiron West Inc. to relocate Taxiway S about 242 feet to the west to accommodate construction of the expanded Bradley terminal.

Separately, the commission awarded an additional $200,000 to NASA Ames Research Center to wrap up an ongoing study examining whether the parallel runways on the north airfield should be separated to make room for a centerline taxiway.

The revised contract, now worth $1.6 million, covers costs that resulted from "unexpected challenges" that led to a delay in completing the study, according to an airport report. NASA's final report is due out in February.

TSA Awards $150M Grant for LAX Baggage Screening System (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_13947066)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
December 7, 2009

The Transportation Security Administration on Monday awarded $150 million to help pay for a new baggage-screening system at Los Angeles International Airport, a long-awaited project that's faced delays due to soaring costs.

The new $670 million system will be installed in several terminals by 2012, funded with $481 million worth of TSA grants. The balance will be paid by airlines operating out of the nation's third-busiest airport, officials said.

"It's great news," said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of LAX. "It's been a long quest for us to get federal funding for the size of this project."

It took about 18 months to negotiate the latest TSA grant after the agency initially refused to contribute any more money to the project, which was originally estimated in 2003 at $341 million, said Michael Molina, LAX's senior director of external affairs.

Six years ago, the TSA had pledged to pay three-quarters - or $256 million - of the cost to install the new baggage screening system at all nine of LAX's terminals and the two terminals at LA/Ontario International Airport.

However, the price tag for the new screening system skyrocketed to $900 million by 2007, and the TSA declined to offer further funding.

At the time, LAX officials were prepared to hire a vendor to install a new baggage-screening system, but didn't follow through due to the mushrooming costs. Rather than move ahead, the airport commission in December 2007 punted the project to the airlines.

Since then, new baggage-screening systems were installed at Ontario airport and LAX's Terminal 3, while new devices are budgeted as part of the massive overhaul at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Estimates for LAX's baggage-screening system have since dropped to $670 million because technology improvements have simplified the devices, leading to a reduction in costs, Molina said.

Moving ahead, the airlines can opt to use a $25 million design that was previously funded by the TSA and LAX, or draw up their own installation plan for the remaining terminals.

The airport agency "was going to pay for the project, but then it was decided that the airlines should pay," Molina said. "Senior management looked at the in-line baggage process and determined it would be better if the program involved the airlines in a more active role, so they changed the direction of the process."

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the TSA required that by the end of 2002 all passenger baggage be screened. To meet that deadline, LAX officials hastily installed huge baggage screening equipment and explosives-detection devices in the ticketing lobbies of airport terminals, creating clutter and crowds.

Plans now call for installing the state-of-the art screening system in an area out of sight from travelers, which should allow federal security officers to scan more bags in less time, according to the TSA.

"Passengers will begin to see a much more streamlined approach in the terminal lobbies while our transportation security officers will use the latest screening technology," said Vera Adams, deputy federal security director at LAX.

I work in the "whole body imaging" industry (bigger than that but for the purposes of this discussion this will suffice) that you're hearing so much about these days given Xmas terror attack and am interested in people's views about the technology. There is so much misinformation about "frying babies" etc. I'd be interested in hearing from the folks here as LAX is one of our targets. My company is one of two deploying these systems. Are people afraid of whole body scanning when traveling?

If it means increasing the security of our aviation system, I'm all for it. I'd rather have a whole body scan than be stuck on a plane filled with terrorists.

I think we all need to get a little perspective. Taking every reasonable precaution is right, but everyone should remember that he or she is more likely to be killed in a car accident on the way to an airport than to be involved in a terrorist attack on an airplane.

We have to proceed in a way that preserves cost effectiveness and passenger convenience.

Al-Qaida's end game is getting the United States of America to spend its way into oblivion by invading countries all over the world and by hobbling our transportation system with excessive layers of security. Terrorists have few resources, so the options for creating chaos are very limited. As long as new technologies are cost effective and unobtrusive than I have no problem with them.

I think we all need to get a little perspective. Taking every reasonable precaution is right, but everyone should remember that he or she is more likely to be killed in a car accident on the way to an airport than to be involved in a terrorist attack on an airplane.

We have to proceed in a way that preserves cost effectiveness and passenger convenience.

Al-Qaida's end game is getting the United States of America to spend its way into oblivion by invading countries all over the world and by hobbling our transportation system with excessive layers of security. Terrorists have few resources, so the options for creating chaos are very limited. As long as new technologies are cost effective and unobtrusive than I have no problem with them.

That might be true (about cars) but these terrorists can do a lot more damage if they are successful. I'd hate to think if he were successful and that plane had fallen into downtown Detroit knocking down even "more" buildings and killing many more people. What discussion would we be having now?

I'm sure a happy median will be found. That is until the next attack which succeeds, then all bets are off.

We should all focus on high speed rail, because then if there is a terrorist we can just kick him out of the train at full speed. plus we won't have to deal with all the layers of security.

But back on the topic of airports. Would full-body imaging allow us to not have to wait in long lines so we can stumble around taking off our shoes and all that nonsense? If so, I am all for it.

Can't a "terrorist" blow up a train?
<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/tmaxx6/?action=view&current=madridtrainbomb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/tmaxx6/madridtrainbomb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

We should all focus on high speed rail, because then if there is a terrorist we can just kick him out of the train at full speed. plus we won't have to deal with all the layers of security.

But back on the topic of airports. Would full-body imaging allow us to not have to wait in long lines so we can stumble around taking off our shoes and all that nonsense? If so, I am all for it.

We tend to work on resolving what people complain about (taking duty-free booze away when changing planes, etc so liquid threat detection is getting smarter). Shoe scanning technologies and software algorithms will be rolling out soon (at least from us). Others may beat us to the punch if they haven't already. It is very close.

We should all focus on high speed rail, because then if there is a terrorist we can just kick him out of the train at full speed. plus we won't have to deal with all the layers of security.

But back on the topic of airports. Would full-body imaging allow us to not have to wait in long lines so we can stumble around taking off our shoes and all that nonsense? If so, I am all for it.

There's still the issue of international flights, something high-speed rail will never be able to replace.

Can't a "terrorist" blow up a train?
<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/tmaxx6/?action=view&current=madridtrainbomb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q138/tmaxx6/madridtrainbomb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

Yes, but he can't crash the entire train. Far less people would die in a train terrorist attack than in an airplane terrorist attack. When a TGV was bombed by a terrorist some years ago, the entire train still came to safe and complete stop, even though on the cars had a gigantic hole in it.

My guess is that HSR will skimp on security until the first train filled with kids and families is blown up and then it will install airport like security.

I guess losing 100 or so is better than 300 or so, but small comfort.

completely off topic but i think the terrorist have won, people are now scared to death of doing anything, and of everyone. we should just chill out deal with them like kids deal with bullies on playgrounds ignore them and don't give them the attention they deserve/crave. all they want is attention and watching us run around like ants crying like some spoiled rich kids. were all gonna die anyway.
thats not to say that we should let our guard down just not hype it up like the republicans and some democrats are doing and using it as an excuse to take away our civil liberties (patriot act) or talking down other people. god Guliannie is such an idiot.

completely off topic but i think the terrorist have won, people are now scared to death of doing anything, and of everyone. we should just chill out deal with them like kids deal with bullies on playgrounds ignore them and don't give them the attention they deserve/crave. all they want is attention and watching us run around like ants crying like some spoiled rich kids. were all gonna die anyway.
thats not to say that we should let our guard down just not hype it up like the republicans and some democrats are doing and using it as an excuse to take away our civil liberties (patriot act) or talking down other people. god Guliannie is such an idiot.

VOFT--Voice of the future.^^^^

Does anyone else feel even more scared?

It clearly should be an intermodal transportation center...

Manchester Square (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_14217396)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
January 18, 2010


Q: Manchester Square

What's happening to the neighborhood bordered by Century Boulevard, Arbor Vitae Street and La Cienega and Aviation boulevards. Most houses and apartment buildings were torn down but there are still a couple left with people living there. Is LAX buying them out to use that space for something? Warehouses, parking lots?

- Daisy Mendoza, Inglewood


LAX began purchasing houses in Manchester Square more than 15 years ago after residents asked to be bought out rather than have a series of soundproofing devices installed. As a result, LAX launched the voluntary acquisition program to purchase homes from residents who no longer wanted to live near the airport.

In 2004, the Los Angeles City Council approved an LAX master plan that called for converting Manchester Square into a ground transportation center, where airline passengers would park their vehicles and take a tram to airport terminals.

However, the plan was controversial and eventually put on hold so that airport officials could study the concept further. That step was taken under the terms of a settlement reached in 2005 between LAX, the county, three surrounding cities and an organization opposed to airport expansion.

"We intend to study the possible uses of the parcel this year and next year," said Michael Molina, LAX's senior director of external affairs.

"There's no plan yet," he said. "But we are looking at our options."

New public art project destined for LAX
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/new-public-art-project-destined-for-lax-.html)
A new public art project involving video creations by 17 artists and art teams is currently being unveiled at Los Angeles International Airport.

Organizers said the completed project will be on display in two permanent locations in the arrivals lobby at the airport's Tom Bradley International Terminal. Some of the video art is already on display but a complete unveiling isn't scheduled until the summer.

Artists were asked to create site-specific works that would appear on video screens mounted on a wall or suspended from a ceiling. The video wall at LAX will consist of 25 46-inch LCD screens in a rectangular matrix, while the ceiling arrangement will feature 58 screens placed end to end.

The project is organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and LAX.

Artists participating in the project come from cities across the country, including L.A., San Francisco, Chicago and New York. The L.A. artists include Todd Gray, Joseph Santarromana, Hilja Keading, Ryan Lamb, Steve Shoffner and Pascual Sisto.

For the project, artists were asked to "address the context of LAX and the city of Los Angeles and create an impressive moving visual art environment."

The cost of the video installations comes to $250,000, according to Sarah Cifarelli, LAX’s art manager. The money is coming from a city rule requiring city departments and private developers to contribute 1% of construction costs of capital improvement to public art.

Currently, the Tom Bradley Terminal at LAX is undergoing a series of upgrades and renovations. In 2009, airport commissioners approved $1.13 billion in construction contracts to revitalize the terminal.

It clearly should be an intermodal transportation center...

Manchester Square (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_14217396)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
January 18, 2010


Q: Manchester Square

What's happening to the neighborhood bordered by Century Boulevard, Arbor Vitae Street and La Cienega and Aviation boulevards. Most houses and apartment buildings were torn down but there are still a couple left with people living there. Is LAX buying them out to use that space for something? Warehouses, parking lots?

- Daisy Mendoza, Inglewood


LAX began purchasing houses in Manchester Square more than 15 years ago after residents asked to be bought out rather than have a series of soundproofing devices installed. As a result, LAX launched the voluntary acquisition program to purchase homes from residents who no longer wanted to live near the airport.

In 2004, the Los Angeles City Council approved an LAX master plan that called for converting Manchester Square into a ground transportation center, where airline passengers would park their vehicles and take a tram to airport terminals.

However, the plan was controversial and eventually put on hold so that airport officials could study the concept further. That step was taken under the terms of a settlement reached in 2005 between LAX, the county, three surrounding cities and an organization opposed to airport expansion.

"We intend to study the possible uses of the parcel this year and next year," said Michael Molina, LAX's senior director of external affairs.

"There's no plan yet," he said. "But we are looking at our options."

Los Angeles only has itself to blame once again.

from LAist (http://laist.com/)

LAX Breaks Ground on Massive Bradley Terminal Expansion Today

Photo by Joits via the LAist Featured Photos pool on FlickrA

$1.25-billion expansion project at Los Angeles International Airport gets underway today as officials are scheduled to break ground for "one of the largest public works projects in the history of Los Angeles," according to cbs2.

The Bradley West Project, approved last fall, is a massive modernization endeavor that will create "nine new boarding gates to accommodate the new generation of larger planes, new shops, restaurants, ticketing counters, security and baggage areas." The construction project involves the demolition of the current concourse, to be replaced with new concourses, passenger lounges, and corridors joining the Bradley Terminal to Terminals 3 and 4.

Officials estimate the project will create about 4,000 jobs, of which about half are expected to be filled by LA residents and almost all by Southern Californians. The improved facilities will re-open in stages, with the new gates expected to "be completed by 2012, with the remainder of the upgrades completed by spring 2013."

By Lindsay William-Ross in News on February 22, 2010 8:30 AM

Hear Ye Hear Ye http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%202/Fullscreencapture2232010105847PM-1.jpg . In the year of our Lord 2010 and after a most troublesome period of blackness as only our fair city can conjur up some shit is actually about to take place and that is thy refurbishment of our centre for flying monsters, monsters that swallow the very people who willingly go for a ride and spread the word of our existence. Thine be worthy news and hath been of some time commeth!

I just love it when milq goes off his meds!

And just to show you I'm back on here's a picture of one of my favorite hamburgers- Carl's Jr! . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%202/Audrina_Patridge_Widescreen_8120097.jpg

LAX plans a consolidated car rental facility
The building to house car leasing operations is seen as a way to ease traffic and cut pollution at the airport.
By Jeff Gottlieb
The Los Angeles Times
February 26, 2010

Los Angeles International Airport officials are drafting plans to build a terminal that will house many of the area's rental car companies, providing space for 33,000 vehicles while helping untangle the airport's notorious congestion and cutting pollution.

The terminal, which could cost as much as $800 million, is also expected to make it easier for people to find their rental agencies or switch from one to another if the line is too long or it doesn't have the right car.

LAX has collected $47 million for the project since 2007 by charging a flat $10 fee on rentals from the 10 companies whose vans circle the airport looking for customers.

But the fee is not bringing in enough money, said Mark Adams, chief government affairs representative for Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX. In order to raise more funds, the airport is hoping to boost the surcharge through a daily fee rather than the current flat fee on rentals.

The airport is still several years from beginning construction of the terminal.

Rental companies now are located throughout the airport. Besides the 10 permitted to circle shuttles at LAX, others are scattered throughout Westchester, Inglewood and El Segundo. They are allowed to pick up customers only when called.

The consolidated facility is expected to cut by nearly half the number of airport trips by rental car courtesy vans, according to Adams.

Although airport traffic is down substantially since 9/11, rental agency vans make about 800,000 trips a year into the main airport, according to airport statistics, often with just one or two passengers.

With a consolidated rental facility, buses would shuttle passengers between it and airline terminals, dropping the number of trips to 437,000 annually. Trips would be cut even further if a planned light-rail system with stops at the rental car terminal is built.

Adams said the rental terminal is "considered the most significant air quality mitigation" effort in the airport's master plan.

The project is part of myriad plans to modernize the aging airport, including the $1.54-billion refurbishing of the Bradley International Terminal that began last week.

Chris Brown, managing editor of Auto Rental News, said consolidated rental car centers are becoming more common and have been built at airports in Kansas City, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Orlando. LAX, he said, has the second- or third-highest number of rentals in the country.

Plans originally called for the terminal to be built on parking lot C at Sepulveda Boulevard and 96th Street. But more recently, an area known as Manchester Square has become the preferred location. It is bounded by Century Boulevard on the south, Aviation Boulevard on the west, Arbor Vitae Street on the north and La Cienega Boulevard on the east.

The Manchester Square site is closer to the 405 and 105 freeways; and because it is out of the flight path, a higher terminal could be built.

Preliminary plans call for a three-story building that would hold 8,000 cars, with room outside for 25,000 additional overflow cars that serve as backup for other Southern California airport rentals.

Airports fund consolidated parking terminals with charges of $3 to $7 a day, Adams said. An average LAX rental is 4 1/2 days.

The more money the airport raises for the project, the less debt it would incur if it finances the project with a bond. The surcharges would end when the terminal is paid off, said Nancy Castles, spokeswoman for the airport agency.

The city is sponsoring a bill, which will be introduced by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach), that would allow the airport to change the current surcharge.

Rental car companies indicated they'd go along with the consolidated terminal, although they complain about increased charges and taxes added to car rentals.

"We think if the community wants to do this, we are very supportive," said Laura Bryant, spokeswoman for Enterprise Holdings, which owns National, Alamo and Enterprise car rentals. Consolidated car rental centers "are very consumer friendly."

I work just 1 block north of that Manchester Square area. I would love it if they consolidated the rental facilities, because they are too spread out in that area. Also, I work just walking distance from a National/Alamo Car Rental facility and currently I have to park at meters outside my job (although, a quarter an hour is not that bad ;)), and I would love to have avaliable parking my company could rent or something :) lol

P.S. I should try not to comment just on how something that affects me. lol

LAX hopes to give taste buds quite a ride (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lax-eats16-2010apr16,0,3522800.story?page=1&utm_medium=feed&track=rss&utm_campaign=Feed:%20MostEmailed%20(L.A.%20Times%20-%20Most%20E-mailed%20Stories)&utm_source=feedburner)

Can Los Angeles' world-class culinary magic bring new spice to the drab corridors of LAX? City leaders are about to find out.

This week airport officials began unveiling a long-awaited series of bids to replace the dated fast-food restaurants and retail shops that for years have greeted travelers at Los Angeles International Airport.

In their place, they hope to highlight some of the city's most renowned chefs and make the first L.A. experience of tourists and business executives more than a mad dash for planes, bags and taxis.

Inside Terminal 7, chef Nancy Silverton would like to open Spuntino, an Italian snack bar where passengers would nosh on focaccia, cured meats, and pressed sandwiches with bread from La Brea Bakery.

"I want to avoid the cheesiness of what we think of as fast food," Silverton said. "Quick doesn't have to mean bad."

Bertha's Soul Food, one of the oldest establishments of its type of Los Angeles, is ready to start cookin' in Terminal 4.

For lighter fare, coffee and tasty beignets would be offered at the L.A. Mill, whose owner has partnered with chef Michael Mina. Travelers also might be able to buy freshly baked pastries from the reformed gang members at Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Gregory Boyle, or decompress in a terminal spa before or after their flights.

At LAX on Thursday, John Andreshias, a 52-year-old sales executive, said he welcomed the overhaul. He was waiting for his flight in Terminal 4, where the dining options included a Chili's Too and a Burger King.

"It's good to get rid of some of the chains," Andreshias said. "I want more opportunity than a greasy chicken sandwich or a greasy burger."

The proposals come from a variety of companies and entrepreneurs vying for 10 coveted food, beverage and retail contracts that involve 42 locations inside the third-busiest commercial airport in the nation -- one with a reputation for being not so passenger-friendly.

On Thursday, LAX officials unveiled the contenders that airport staff has recommended for contracts after evaluating competitive bids.

If approved by airport commissioners and the City Council in the weeks ahead, the new contracts would represent a dramatic change for an airport whose officials were once reluctant to turn LAX into anything resembling a shopping mall.

"The goal is to have some real capital improvements, make our concessions more physically attractive, increase revenue and give the airport the feel of L.A.," said Alan Rothenberg, president of the Board of Airport Commissioners.

Rothenberg and other airport leaders hope the first overhaul of LAX concessions since 1995 will help reverse the airport's sagging reputation among travelers, who have repeatedly griped about mediocre dining, aging terminals, traffic congestion and long security lines.

For years, the public has rated the airport average or below average in consumer questionnaires. In the latest J.D. Power survey of airport quality, passengers ranked LAX 19th out of the 20 largest airports in the United States. The restaurants, fast-food outlets and beverage stands were given two stars out of five.

"This is a great thing," said Kathy Briski, president-elect of the Los Angeles Business Travel Assn., who flies out of LAX weekly. "I'd like to have something more than Starbucks for breakfast."

Within the next few weeks, airport commissioners will begin selecting the restaurateurs and retailers for Terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8. Bidding for Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 6 is expected in the months ahead. The Tom Bradley International Terminal will be addressed later.

Among recommended contenders are Areas USA, the Miami-based subsidiary of a Spanish company that serves 73 airports around the globe; a joint venture involving former Lakers star Magic Johnson; XpresSpa, which operates spas at 14 major airports; SSP America Inc., whose parent company serves hundreds of airports and railroad stations in 34 countries; and THS/Marbella Food Service Partnership IV.

Gone from the preferred list or relegated to smaller roles in the current bids are HMS Host Corp., Delaware North Cos. and the Hudson Group, the master concessionaires that held long-term contracts to manage nearly all the airport's beverage, food and retail outlets.

These companies provided the airport with well-known brands such as Wolfgang Puck, Karl Strauss and California Pizza Kitchen, but those concessions, LAX officials say, are almost 15 years old.

Airport leaders now want more options and better food in a setting that appeals to the 57 million airline passengers that use LAX annually.

"The airport needs upgrades and change; this is what we represent," said Xavier Rabell, chief executive officer of Areas USA. "We will bring the right mix of local concepts, innovation, variety and sense of place to LAX so people can see what Los Angeles is all about."

Each finalist has put together a package of restaurants, fast-food outlets, beverage stands, travel services and retail stores. Their offerings include 27 restaurants -- 12 from Los Angeles and 10 from other areas of Southern California.

The list of proposed restaurants is a microcosm of the local dining scene, from big names such as Silverton, who co-owns Hollywood's Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza with celebrity chef Mario Batali, to small businesses such as the Westside's Buttercake Bakery, which specializes in buttercream-smeared cupcakes.

"We endeavored to bring the names, the icons in the culinary world of Los Angeles," says Pat Carroll, vice president of brands and concepts for SSP America, whose bid includes 15 restaurants and concessions -- more than half of the potential new restaurants that could arrive at LAX by 2011.

Other possibilities include Geisha House, M Cafe de Chaya, Border Grill Taqueria from chef Susan Feniger, Koreatown favorite Park's Bar-B-Q, Joachim Splichal's Market Cafe and Nick + Stef's Steakhouse, 25 Degrees, Groundwork Coffee, Panda Express and Peet's Coffee & Tea.

Travelers in Terminal 5 might pick up empanadas and tortas courtesy of La Serenata de Garibaldi, a well-known Boyle Heights restaurant. Co-owner Jorge Rodriguez says his brother, chef Jose Rodriguez, has already created two new salsas for the occasion, habanero papaya and almond raspberry habanero.

"They call him the master of salsas in Los Angeles," Rodriguez said.

Rod White, the current owner of 45-year-old Bertha's Soul Food, is no less excited at the prospect of opening an outpost in the Delta Air Lines terminal. "The southern route," he quipped.

"For us to be able to say you're going to take oxtails, take greens, take macaroni and cheese on the plane with you, it's historic," White said. "Now, for the very first time, African American cuisine will be represented at LAX. That's a godsend."

Settlement Will Return Direct Control of Terminal 2 to LAX (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_14916179)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
April 19, 2010

A settlement announced Monday will soon give Los Angeles International Airport direct control of Terminal 2.

The deal calls for terminating a lease between the airport and LAX Two Corp., which has operated and maintained the terminal since December 1985. However, LAX Two Corp. will continue to manage the building for the next three years, receiving $7.5 million annually.

LAX Two Corp. since 2007 has been locked in a legal battle with Los Angeles World Airports over $90 million worth of mortgage debt remaining on Terminal 2. Airport officials have long contended that they should take control of Terminal 2 if they paid off the debt.

Under the settlement reached Monday, the airport agency agreed to retire a $100 million bond that was granted to LAX Two Corp. and is now worth only $88 million, officials said.

LAWA also struck up new, eight-year lease agreements with Air Canada and Hawaiian Airlines, which operate out of Terminal 2. The building has been nearly empty since July, when Northwest Airlines moved to Terminals 5 and 6 after merging with Delta Airlines.

The settlement and new leases will need final approval from the Los Angeles City Council.

John Hall, executive director of LAX Two Corp., declined to comment.

"This settlement frees underutilized facilities and gates for other airlines at LAX that are looking for space, and we're already in discussions with several airlines about a relocation to Terminal 2," said Michael Molina, deputy executive director of external affairs at LAX.

Airport officials have said previously that placing Terminal 2 back under their control would allow for a variety of improvements, including the construction of two gates capable of handling the massive Airbus A380 jetliner.

"Now that we have a direct relationship with the international carriers in Terminal 2, all possibilities can now be explored," Molina said.

Long Beach Airport moves ahead with improvement project
The plan to modernize the facility while preserving its Art Deco design and popular qualities has satisfied community groups and city leaders who scaled back earlier proposals.
By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times
May 4, 2010

After years of controversy and a court battle involving local schools, the Long Beach Airport is moving ahead with a $136-million improvement project designed to modernize the facility without sacrificing its historic Art Deco terminal or reputation among travelers for convenience.

The project also satisfies community groups and city leaders who worked to scale back earlier proposals, which they feared would have weakened the city's noise ordinance that limits commercial and commuter flights at the airport because of surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Plans call for a new 1,989-space parking structure, ramp improvements and a concourse with a central garden and 11 gates that will replace the temporary trailers where travelers now wait for flights. About $2 million will be spent to refurbish the old terminal, which was built in 1941 and declared a historic landmark by the city decades later.

The project, however, will retain the open-air feeling of the current terminal complex, and passengers will still walk across the tarmac when boarding or leaving their planes. Baggage claim also will be partially enclosed as it is today.

"It will be pleasantly unlike other airports," said Mario Rodriguez, airport director. "Passengers will enter through a vintage terminal and pass into a modern concourse, all in a low-stress environment."

The parking structure, which will replace two surface lots and the airport's remote lot, is underway. After the City Council approves the final design in June as expected and contracts are awarded, work on the concourse and terminal improvements could begin by year's end. Everything should be completed in 2013.

"The project is designed to meet the needs and demands of our passengers," said Sharon Diggs-Jackson, an airport spokeswoman. "We want to keep it simple and efficient."

Long Beach Airport, which has been owned by the city since 1923, handles about 3 million commercial passengers a year, served by six airlines. The airfield is also popular among private pilots, commuter services and corporate jet operators, which account for about 300,000 takeoffs and landings annually.

The airport is known for its terminal, easy access by car and convenience for travelers who can usually get through check-in and security substantially faster than at Los Angeles International Airport or other major airports in the region.

Passengers say they welcome the new concourse and improvements as long as they don't lead to an increase in passengers or interfere with what makes the airport so attractive.

"We love this airport. It actually makes travel pleasurable," said Marlene Meng of San Pedro, who was there last week to pick up her grandsons and daughter. "They could use some new facilities. The airport is sort of a throwback."

The plan for the terminal and concourse will almost double the complex to about 74,000 square feet. Officials say the work will be financed with bonds sold to investors and the debt will be paid off over time with fees charged to airlines and passengers.

Officials at JetBlue Airways, which established its West Coast hub in Long Beach, said they were glad that the airport was finally proceeding with the project. Citing frustration with a lack of improvements, the discount airline indicated in April 2009 that it might cease operations at the airport.

"We had expressed our concerns earlier. The city has now really started to move forward. The parking structure is going full speed ahead," said Rich Smyth, vice president of corporate real estate for JetBlue. "We still have some things to work out, but there is nothing significant."

Earlier options for the project called for a much larger terminal complex: 133,000 square feet. But the proposals ran into opposition from community groups, who feared that the larger projects would encourage more flights and prompt attempts to weaken the city's noise ordinance.

Under the measure, commercial flights are now capped at 41 per day and commuter flights at 25. Today, the commercial slots are filled, and 16 commuter slots remain vacant.

In 2006, the Long Beach Unified School District joined the dispute when it filed a lawsuit alleging that the city's environmental analysis for the project was flawed and that dozens of schools would be affected by noise.

Two years later, a Superior Court judge upheld the city's environmental impact report, which concluded that the project would not affect noise and air quality.

Because of community concerns and the severe economic downturn in the airline industry, city officials steadily reduced the scale of the proposal to its current size.

"It's fabulous. It's the compromise everyone was hoping to reach," said Long Beach City Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who opposed earlier versions of the project. "It serves the airlines, the project better represents the city, and it respects the noise ordinance that protects the community."

Sounds like it will be a bit like HBO: easy to get into and out of and with quick and easy boarding. Great for avoiding LAX for regional flights.

LAX's On-Time Performance The Best In The Country
CBS
May 14, 2010 11:16 am US/Pacific

LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― The U.S. Department of Transportation says flights at Los Angeles International Airport were on time 85 percent of the time, more than any other big airport in the country.

Southern California's good weather was credited for the airport's improved on-time performance record. LAX is the second busiest airport in the United States and the sixth in the world.

LAX's on-time performance has improved, from 83 percent in March 2009. Overall, the nation's top 18 airports were on time an average of 80 percent of the time in March, compared to 78.4 percent in March 2009.

According to industry data source Airports: USA DataMiner, LAX is the top origin and destination airport in the country and number one for passengers who begin or end their trips at an airport, rather than connect to other flights.

http://cbs2.com/local/LAX.On.Time.2.1694758.html

But who cares if everyone still hates the airport?

Ah, hopefully that will change soon. I like LAX, it could be better, but what y gonna do.

I like it too, by me saying "everyone" I was talking about those endless Forbes type polls that always put it near the bottom. I think it's still small enough to get around pretty easily. It's not so big that you have to take a tram from one end to the other like Denver or Detroit. It's in a C shape and you get to go outside and enjoy the (most times) amazing LA weather instead of being carted around in an environmentally controlled giant cube. And as more and more airports become massive suburban styled malls LAX is becoming sort of a relic from the past one that I enjoy. More stores? Yes. But I like the vintage disconnected terminals, most probably don't but I do.

I guess it's all about trends, and I personally don't care for those airports turned into giant malls and amusement parks. As you said, there's something about LAX that's still orthodox.

I wasn't impressed by Denver, Houston, or even SFO. LAX is simple to navigate and is still massive. 59-63 Million passengers a year.

Ah, Charlotte did catch my eye tho. JFK is like LAX in functionality.

Generally, I am OK with LAX but the "most flight origins and endings" stat really shows. The traffic in the airport and along Sepulveda, Century, the 405 and 105 is heavy and the roads complicated. I think it will take a "robust" mass transit option to fix this.

I will say, however, that traffic around JFK is often much worse (and that's saying a lot) and isn't great around the European super airports either.

I think running the Crenshaw line into the airport will probably fix that problem of getting easily in and out of the airport. If the Green Line could have a northern stop at LAX w/ Crenshaw before heading up Lincoln would be great too. Getting the Crenshaw up to Hollywood or in the interum at least up to Purple or Expo would be great for tourists and conventioneers who are staying in Downtown LA who could then get to the airport with just one transfer.

http://www.latimes.com/media/graphic/2010-05/53933539.jpg

LAX inaugurates new cross-field taxiway
The route will reduce congestion resulting from ground traffic of new, larger jetliners, including the Airbus A380.
By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times
May 25, 2010

With the help of a giant Airbus A380 jetliner, city officials Monday inaugurated a new cross-field taxiway at Los Angeles International Airport that is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of moving aircraft on the ground.

Situated west of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the $88-million taxiway is 3,437 feet long and wide enough to accommodate the largest commercial planes as they travel between the north and south runway complexes.

The taxiway is one of several modernization projects underway at LAX, the third-busiest airport in the nation. The ribbon of concrete provides an alternative to the current cross-field routes, which were too narrow to allow an Airbus A380 to clear aircraft on the adjoining taxiway. The A380 has a wingspan almost as long as a football field.

In addition to the A380, the 100-foot-wide taxiway can handle the next generation of large wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Officials for LAX and the Federal Aviation Administration say the new route will help reduce aircraft congestion that would result from construction of the Bradley West project, which includes new gates, new concourses and a great central hall filled with restaurants and concessions.

That work requires closing and relocating two existing cross-field taxiways immediately west of the Bradley terminal to make room for the improvements. Those taxiways will be widened and strengthened to handle larger jets.

"This is the first enabling project for the Bradley West," said Gina Marie Lindsey, director of Los Angeles World Airports. "It is also the first taxiway at LAX designed for the largest aircraft."

For Monday's ceremony, Qantas supplied an A380 that was en route from Australia. It landed on one of the airport's southern runways and then moved along the new taxiway to reach its gate on the north side of the Bradley terminal.

As the plane headed to the terminal, the airport's firefighting units heralded the opening of the taxiway with plumes from their water cannons.

WATER CANNONS!! . <object width="853" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pTVxSTp2Z1g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pTVxSTp2Z1g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="853" height="505"></embed></object> . Qantas Flight 11 landed this morning at Los Angeles International Airport – and became the first aircraft to travel on the airport’s new cross-field taxiway.

Two LAX fire trucks greeted the plane with a water cannon salute. Qantas Flight 11 from Sydney, Australia is an Airbus A380. The new north-south taxiway it used was designed to accommodate the A380 and allow more of the extra jumbo aircraft to move around the airfield with ease.

The taxiway cost $88 million and took about a year to build. It’s more than 3,400 feet long. It travels over a city street that staff uses to get to the west side of LAX, so engineers had to design a bridge to support the weight of the A380, which was more than 1 million pounds.

Airport officials say the taxiway was complete six weeks ahead of schedule and will help LAX compete for more A380 airline flights looking to land somewhere in the future. . BRIAN WATT KPCC RADIO

Remodeled Bradley International Terminal puts emphasis on customer service
The $737-million renovations include two new boarding gates, a baggage handling system, an upgraded public waiting area and restaurants with specialty menus.
By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times
May 26, 2010

The cavernous ticketing center of the newly remodeled Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is airy and better lighted than it used to be. Crowded, chaotic conditions have been reduced because passengers no longer have to lug their bags to security scanners before check-in.

New facades beckon travelers to bars and restaurants on the mezzanine level. Downstairs, the dim arrival area has been transformed with a bistro, flower stands and translucent walls that change color like the decorative pylons at the airport entrance. The floors are terrazzo.

"I like it," said Janet Fitzgerald, 46, of New Zealand, who was headed with her family to a ticket counter recently. "I've never seen it better in here."

In one of the most visible signs that the modernization of Los Angeles International Airport is underway, city officials on Wednesday will mark completion of a $737-million renovation of the Bradley terminal — a portal for almost 9 million passengers a year that has not seen a major overhaul since 1984.

"This is the first phase of a total remake of the Bradley," said Gina Marie Lindsey, director of Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX. "This is a huge improvement for us. The terminal used to have a low level of customer service."

By 2013, the airport plans to make $3 billion to $4 billion in improvements related to the Bradley, which is at the western end of the terminal area.

LAX officials hope the projects will improve security, give the aging facility a contemporary feel and eliminate the crowding that frequently bothers travelers at peak times in the morning and late evenings.

The current project, which began in February 2007, involved a major renovation of the Bradley's interior and included new flooring, improved lighting, better signage for flight information, wider corridors and remodeled restrooms.

Two boarding gates were added to accommodate the next generation of wide-bodied airliners, such as the giant Airbus A380, the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

In the hall reserved for customs and immigration inspections, high-capacity baggage carousels were installed to move luggage faster from aircraft to waiting passengers.

From there, travelers can leave the terminal by walking up gently sloping corridors that lead to a remodeled and roomy greeting lobby, where they can meet friends, relatives, or business associates.

There is a halo of lights in the ceiling and the longest video project ever installed at a U.S. airport to entertain people as they wait for passengers. Suspended from the roof, the media wall of 29 side-to-side, 46-inch display screens extends 90 feet in a serpentine pattern.

Among the concessions are a Petals flower shop, a money exchange and Daniels Bistro+Bar. The menu includes items not found at other airports, such as chicken and apple panini, flatbread pizzas and the house special — beef brisket panini with grilled onions, cheddar and arugula.

"It looks welcoming and is laid out well," Sam Magee, 41, of Los Angeles said as he waited in the terminal recently for his wife's parents to arrive from Japan.

The largest part of the project added 45,000 square feet to house a $140-million in-line baggage system that employs elaborate conveyors to move luggage from ticket counters to security scanners before it is loaded onto planes.

The system has eliminated the large boxy scanners in the Bradley lobby, which were a major inconvenience for passengers who had to carry their luggage to the devices during check-in.

LAX "should offer a travel experience worthy of a world-class city," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "These modernizations will improve the experience for travelers and provide the kind of sustainability, safety and security features necessary in this day and age."

LAX officials say, however, the next phase requires that at least $100 million worth of current improvements to 10 of 11 gates at the terminal will have to be torn out to make way for future construction.

Though the renovation offers a significant improvement in esthetics and convenience for passengers, Jack Keady, an aviation and airline consultant in Playa del Rey, cautioned that there are still major problems at LAX, which has often received low marks from the traveling public.

Arriving passengers are still being bused from remote gates to the Bradley terminal and traffic around the airport is terrible, Keady said. The new renovation "won't help if international travelers continue to come out of the Bradley and are met by diesel fumes and traffic congestion."

Keady and airport officials say the next phase of the Bradley overhaul should help relieve some of these concerns. Plans call for new concourses, additional gates that can handle larger aircraft and a grand central hall filled with restaurants and retail shopping.

Any word on when they will start tearing down the Bradley concourses? If they want to have it done by 2012/2013 they better get going.

^ They have to build the new concourses first before they can tear down the existing ones. Construction has already begun.

I'm still confused as to how that will happen. According to that map a few posts up, isn't the new terminal going where the current one is?

^ Look a little closer and you'll see that that's not the case. The TBIT core is being expanded farther west to where the existing taxiway is, so there will be plenty of room for the new concourses.

Turkish Airlines to Begin Nonstop Flights from LAX to Istanbul (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_15570972)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
July 21, 2010

Turkish Airlines will launch nonstop flights connecting Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul, Turkey, beginning March 3, 2011, officials said Wednesday.

Flights will take off from LAX on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays aboard Boeing 777-300 jetliners capable of holding up to 337 passengers.

"The nonstop route between LAX and Istanbul will strengthen business, tourism and cultural ties with one of the most desirable cities in Eurasia, while providing improved connecting service to more European, Asian, African and Middle Eastern destinations," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a written statement.

Along with Los Angeles, Turkish Airlines also flies out of the North American cities of New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Toronto.

"This route will open new doors for travel between Los Angeles, Istanbul and the rest of the world," said Fatma Yuceler, Turkish Airlines' director for west coast.

Something I've wanted for a long time... direct flights from LAX to Spain!

...

Iberia Airlines to Launch Nonstop L.A.-to-Madrid Flights (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_16272012?IADID=Search-www.dailybreeze.com-www.dailybreeze.com)

By Art Marroquin, Staff Writer
October 6, 2010

After a 14-year absence, Iberia Airlines will return to Los Angeles International Airport in April, when the Spanish airline will launch four weekly nonstop flights to Madrid-Barajas Airport, officials announced Wednesday.

Iberia last served LAX from 1984 to 1997.

"Each international flight brings jobs and economic activity to the region, and this new flight will connect us to one of the world's most exciting cities," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The move is part of an alliance between Iberia, British Airways and American Airlines that led to the creation of four new routes set to begin in spring.

Under the deal, American will launch flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Budapest, along with a new route between Chicago and Helsinki. British Airways will offer service between London and San Diego.

"The growth potential of our joint business and the extra capacity Madrid offers will enable Barajas Airport to become one of the main gateways for flights between North America and Europe in the very near future," said Antonio Vasquez, chairman and CEO of Iberia.

LAX will experience a "period of unprecedented growth" with the addition of 32 new weekly overseas flights between November and April, airport officials said.

That number could be bumped up to 39 new weekly international flights if the federal government approves American Airlines' plan to launch service between LAX and Shanghai in April.

A bit of a surprise...

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10886579/1/united-also-wants-los-angeles-shanghai.html?cm_ven=YAHOO&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA

United Also Wants Los Angeles-Shanghai

LOS ANGELES (TheStreet) -- United(UAL_) applied Tuesday for regulatory approval to fly between Los Angeles and Shanghai, just five days after American(AMR_) was approved for the same flight.

Although carriers have been slow to begin service on all the China routes approved in a historic 2007 ruling by the U.S. Transportation Department, the rapid-fire series of filings and approvals for Los Angeles-Shanghai shows that interest in flying to China remains keen, especially as the Chinese economy remains strong and the U.S. economy improves.

United said it is seeking an expedited ruling and wants to begin service on May 20, 2011. American's request was approved Friday, a scant six days after it was filed. American wants to begin service April 5.

Los Angeles-Shanghai is the largest air travel market between the U.S. and China, but currently it is served only by China Eastern Airlines. China Eastern will join Delta(DAL_) in the SkyTeam alliance by mid-2011.

In its filing, United addressed the American flight, noting: "Although another U.S. carrier is also proposing non-stop service, given the number of unused frequencies available and the relatively large size of the market, competitive service by U.S. carriers is fully warranted."

Following the approval of the American application, 21 unused weekly frequencies available are currently available under the U.S. -- China Air Transport Agreement. Effective in March 2011, 35 weekly frequencies would be available. Daily service from Los Angeles would require seven frequencies.

United said it would operate a Boeing 777-200 on the flight, initially using an aircraft with 253 seats and, after about a month, it would switch to one with 269 seats. American would also serve the route with a Boeing 777. The United flight would depart Los Angeles about 1:30 p.m., arriving in Shanghai about 6 p.m. the next day. The return flight would depart Shanghai about 8 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles about 5 p.m.

Airline competition is heating up in Los Angeles, where United operates a hub with 247 daily departures. Last week, American President Tom Horton told TheStreet that American may bulk up service to feed its international flights.

In the application, United requested that partner Continental be permitted to code-share on the Los Angeles-Shanghai flight until the carriers have a single operating certificate, which is expected by 2012.

-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C.

Sounds like lots of new flights are planned for the next two months. Hope the surface transit around the airport keeps pace. I guess some buses can be added short-term but real improvement to ground transport will take years so I'm guessing worse traffic.

United has been approved for LAX-Shanghai. Wow, that was fast!

Some nice choices: nonstops to Istanbul, Madrid, Shanghai. The Istanbul flight must be about 14 hours; maybe longer on the return.

I'm not sure if many have seen these yet, but these are a few renderings of some of the public art work that will be displayed as part of the Bradley West project.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll277/bruin787/5fc357b2.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll277/bruin787/dafe1bab.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll277/bruin787/e047412c.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll277/bruin787/f5f5ef82.jpg

http://shametrainla.typepad.com/.a/6a00e393399ea788340120a54c7a62970b-pi
Federal loan to speed work on Crenshaw light-rail line
Los Angeles Times
October 15, 2010 | 2:48 pm

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s effort to accelerate construction of local transit projects advanced Friday when the federal government announced that it would loan $546 million for a planned light-rail project that would run from the Crenshaw district to a station near Los Angeles International Airport.

The assistance is the first federal commitment to the mayor’s so-called 30/10 initiative, which calls for speeding up the completion dates of 12 transit projects planned by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including the Westside subway extension.

"This is a substantial down payment," said Villaraigosa, who was in Washington, D.C., recently to lobby for federal assistance. "The money will help create about 5,000 jobs, free up funds for other projects and allow us to move ahead at an accelerated rate."

The loan will cover more than a third of the planning and construction costs of the Crenshaw light-rail project, which is now estimated to cost $1.4 billion.

The proposed line would run about 8 1/2 miles from Exposition and Crenshaw boulevards to the Green Line station at Aviation Boulevard near LAX.

-- Dan Weikel


Read More: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/10/villaraigosa-gains-546-million-federal-loan-to-speed-construction-of-crenshaw-light-rail.html

http://thesource.metro.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/crenshawLAXmap.jpg
Federal loan advances light rail for Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor project
Posted by Gayle Anderson on October 15, 2010 - 4:11 pm
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

A $546-million federal loan that will enable Metro to more quickly build an 8.5-mile light rail line in the Crenshaw District was announced today by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

It is the first federal funding received for a Measure R transit project and will accelerate the schedule for completion of the Crenshaw/LAX line to the next five or six years; the Crenshaw Line was scheduled to open in 2018 under Metro’s long-range plan. The low-interest loan will be repaid with Measure R revenues.

The funding is a major step forward for the 30/10 Initiative, the Metro policy that seeks to build 12 Measure R transit projects in the next 10 years instead of the next 30 by using federal loans and other financing.

In a news release Senator Boxer said, “This is a great day. The federal government — in partnership with local agencies and the Mayor’s office [L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa] — is helping to leverage local funding to accelerate creation of thousands of jobs, to speed construction of transportation improvements and to bring those benefits to the people of L.A. sooner than would otherwise be possible.”

Senator Boxer announced the funding package in a conference call today with Mayor Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer Maria Elena Durazo and Metro CEO Art Leahy.

Mayor Villaraigosa was in Washington earlier this week to participate in a meeting with President Obama about upgrading the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

An official announcement will be made at a press conference to be held next Wednesday.

The $546 million loan from the federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program will help get construction underway for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor project, an 8.5-mile light rail line in the Crenshaw District which will connect to the Metro Green Line and the Expo Line, currently under construction, eventually providing direct train service to a planned LAX transit center.

Metro is currently preparing environmental documents and soon will begin preliminary engineering. Construction could start in late 2011.

The Crenshaw/LAX line represents the largest public works investment in South Los Angeles in history, said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“Not only will this project bring much needed economic development to an important region of the County, but these federal dollars will result in more than 7,800 much needed jobs for our community during the development of this project. I will make every effort to see that these jobs are allocated fairly to both local residents and those who live in ZIP codes that are most impacted by high unemployment,” said Ridley-Thomas.

“I am very grateful to Senator Boxer and the Obama Administration for this down payment on our 30/10 initiative to move forward with the Crenshaw line and create jobs we need now,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “Senator Boxer has been a tireless advocate for 30/10, and without her efforts this award would not have been possible.”

Here is a link to the news release issued by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. And here is a link to the news release issued by Mayor Villaraigosa.

-- Gayle Anderson


Read More: http://thesource.metro.net/2010/10/15/federal-loan-advances-light-rail-project-for-crenshawlax-transit-corridor/#more-13820

http://www.cp-dr.com/node/2831

Airport's Tailspin Imperils Development in Ontario

The future of land use in the City of Ontario is up in the air. Literally.

For 40 years, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) -- a subsidiary of the City of Los Angeles -- has owned and operated the LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) under a joint powers agreement between the cities of Ontario and Los Angeles. Now, Ontario says LAWA has welched on its promise to increase air traffic at Ontario. So the city has launched an aggressive, frankly worded campaign to wrest control of the airport's operations and management from LAWA in order to get the most out of what is considered one of the primary economic engines of the Inland Empire.

As recently as four or five years ago, Los Angeles International Airport was approaching its mandated cap of 70 million annual passengers. To relieve pressure on Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), LAWA pledged that ONT's traffic would rise from roughly 7 million annual passengers in 2005 to its cap of 30 million annual passengers by 2030. As a result, the generally growth-friendly city adopted an ambitious general plan update that would promote development to complement what would be one of the 25 busiest airports in the country.

“Every real estate developer across the board would benefit from a boom in the Ontario Airport,” said Christine Iger, a political consultant who sits on the Urban Land Institute’s Inland Empire Committee.

LAWA’s pledge to promote ONT was the centerpiece of the effort to “regionalize” air travel in Southern California and, among other things, steer passengers away from long drives to LAX. Concentration of air travel at LAX is a big regional problem; no other large metropolitan area concentrates so much of its air travel in one large airport – and LAX is far away from most population centers. Previous efforts to coordinate air travel among the LAWA airports and other regional airports, such as Orange County John Wayne and Burbank Airport, had yielded negligible results.

But none of those results are so disheartening as those at ONT.

In the past five years, traffic there has gone down to 4 million annual passengers – a decline of almost half. Meanwhile, traffic at LAX has trended steadily upward. Ontario officials are blaming LAWA for the dropoff. They claim that LAWA, which is controlled by the Los Angeles mayor and City Council, has allowed landing fees and administrative costs to balloon in a deliberate effort to direct traffic to LAX in order to benefit the City of Los Angeles.

“The issue of LAWA’s control and the way they have handled the airport the last few years is largely regarded in this area as a form of economic warfare of the city of Los Angeles with regards to the economy of the Inland Empire,” said economist John Husing, whose work focuses on the Inland Empire.

City officials say that whatever benefit Los Angeles gained has been devastating for Ontario’s economy and, if it persists, threatens to undermine the city's newly updated general plan, which is part of a larger civic effort called The Ontario Plan.

The general plan update, adopted earlier this year, assumes that heavy traffic at ONT will generate demand for development in the city. Ontario Planning Director Jerry Blum said that the rule of thumb in the aviation industry is that a city’s airports create the demand for approximately one square foot of office space for every annual passenger. He said that the city's current supply of Class A space is sufficient for current traffic but that the city's plan calls for the several million more square feet that would complement a more crowded airport.

"At 5, 6, 7 million…the localized region probably has approximately that much Class A office," said Blum. City officials contend, however, that traffic will remain at low levels so long as LAWA remains in control. This means that land in and around the airport will be grossly under-utilized, they say.

“Right now, basically it’s being managed by an out-of-area landlord who really has no sense of what’s going on or the true economic value of the property,” said Alan Wapner, the Ontario City Councilmember who is leading the campaign to gain local control. “The city of Ontario sees it as part of the big picture.”

Wapner said that some of the airport’s 1,700 acres “are just dirt” and could be developed. Beyond the airport’s footprint, Wapner said that the city has planned for housing, retail, and amenities to go along with more development. The city even has what it considers an ideal site to accommodate airport-related development. Blum said that a 250-acre, single-owner parcel south of the 10 Freeway is ideally suited to be a new, aviation-fueled downtown.

“Ontario Metro Center area is probably going to be the next urban center in Southern California,” said Blum. “And it’s (premised) on it being driven by the airport.”

Likewise, ONT is seen as a hub of multimodal transportation in the region. The Gold Line light rail Foothill Extension is planned eventually go to ONT, and there has been talk of including the airport in the state’s planned high-speed rail network.

But regional boosters fear that none of this may come to bear as long as long as LAWA remains in control.

"To stay at 4 million or 5 million air passengers for 20 or 25 years would be disastrous," said Blum. The city’s Recovery Plan estimates that depressed traffic at ONT cost the city’s economy $400 million and 8,000 jobs between 2007 and 2009.

In September the City of Ontario published a white paper entitled "A Recovery Plan," which outlines what many consider to be an underhanded plot by LAWA to artificially depress traffic at ONT in favor of that at LAX. Every passenger ticket at ONT includes a 15% surcharge, and city officials contend that LAWA's management is bloated and that its wages are based on inappropriately high wage rates that prevail in Los Angeles. With local management, the city contends that it could reduce overhead, make tickets to ONT cheaper, and attract a flood of new traffic, especially from low-cost carriers such as Southwest and Allegiant.

Maria Tesoro-Fermin, spokesperson for LAWA, said that LAWA is willing to consider any proposal that the city puts forward for local management. Wapner said that the city has yet to make a formal plan or establish a timeline for submitting such a proposal.

Husing said that boosters across the Inland Empire have expressed their support for a more robust ONT. And, concurrent with the release of the city's Recovery Plan, the Southern California Association of Governments circulated a letter unequivocally supporting local control, by which “ONT can recover from the economic downturn of the past several years while positioning itself for long-term growth."

The letter notes that local control would put ONT on equal footing with other low-cost secondary airports, such as Long Beach. The city claims that ONT’s $14 per-passenger landing fees are unnecessarily inflated by administrative bloat, whereas they are $11 at LAX and $2 at Burbank Airport. Meanwhile, at $29 per passenger, ONT’s operating expenses are double those of other regional airports.

Perhaps most importantly for the city, local control would affect not only air traffic but also development both on and adjacent to ONT property.

Moreover, unlike in many cities that consider airports to be one of the ultimate unwanted land uses, the Ontario General Plan has already been designed to accommodate new growth. Moreover, the community has agreed to up to 30 million annual passengers (up from a previous general plan's cap of 22 million), so, unlike vitriolic battles over traffic at LAX, ONT's build-out is already cleared. At 30 million, it would rank as the 20th-busiest airport in the country, compared to current traffic.

Although the current situation suggests that the Ontario Plan may have been developed with overly optimistic air traffic projections, or on too much trust in LAWA. Blum rejects that contention.

“It was totally reasonable,” said Blum. “At the time, our numbers were going up. LA had been sued and they had agreements in place that they were nearing their 70 million maximum. They were having to push out our way.”

Ultimately, however, any grand plans for a new metropolis depend on LAWA. Though LAWA officials have said they will entertain proposals from Ontario, the prospect of giving up control remains highly uncertain.

“I doubt it,” said Husing. “LA’s got every incentive to keep us as a colony. If you’re hearing the disgust in my voice, it’s there.”


Meanwhile, southern California's air pollution, traffic congestion, and jobs-housing imbalances continue to drive skilled labor and the middle classes from the region to places that offer greater livability.

Taxpayers of the City of Los Angeles are spending as much as $4 billion to make LAX an even greater nuisance than the facility already is when another high-capacity airport exists 30 or so miles to the East that is capable of handling 30 million passengers.

LAX is crowded and inconvenient. It generates significant traffic congestion and air pollution. And, its flights in the late evening and early morning hours are unsafe. Moreover, the airport is required by law to regionalize air-travel demand. So, why is the City spending so much money for an expansion that makes no sense?

Doesn't Ontario already have sufficient capacity? It never seems crowded there. No use having capacity and scheduling flights if people don't want to fly there.

Admitedly, LAX is crowded and Ontario, LB, HBO and OC are much more convenient for people who live locally and are doing regional travel. But if international business people and tourists want to be near the South Bay, Westside and DT, LAX is the way to go.

Doesn't Ontario already have sufficient capacity? It never seems crowded there. No use having capacity and scheduling flights if people don't want to fly there.

Admitedly, LAX is crowded and Ontario, LB, HBO and OC are much more convenient for people who live locally and are doing regional travel. But if international business people and tourists want to be near the South Bay, Westside and DT, LAX is the way to go.I'm referring to the billions of dollars in proposed expansions to LAX. You're right. ONT could handle 30 million passengers tomorrow without any additional cost to L.A. taxpayers.

Mayor Villaraigosa and the City Council are being incredibly short-sighted because the region, including Los Angeles, is losing its desirable labor force due to the livability problems. SCAG is trying to prevent any further brain drain, but the City is not cooperating with the M.P.O.

Additionally, this isn't some pure market system at work. ONT has, by far, the highest cost structure of any airport in southern California. The fees there are three times as high as those of SBD. And, passengers at ONT routinely pay $100 more per ticket to the same destinations LAX offers. The citizens of Los Angeles need to hold these elected officials accountable for such penny-wise and pound-foolish decisions that are going to hurt everyone in the SCAG region over the long term.

For a few months now I've seen construction towers at the West end of th Tom Bradley Intl Terminal at LAX. Of course we know why.

But, this past Friday the steel skeleton of the structures has started to go up. They're very visible from anywhere.

I believ this is the part going up right now..

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2009_10_bradley.jpg

From moroccan forum. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=72003807#post72003807)


HD Twilight Landing At LAX (Cockpit View)

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HD REALTIME Twilight Landing At LAX (No Audio)

wg_9kwiharY

^^ That was a quick 14 minutes for me! Loves it!

For a few months now I've seen construction towers at the West end of th Tom Bradley Intl Terminal at LAX. Of course we know why.

But, this past Friday the steel skeleton of the structures has started to go up. They're very visible from anywhere.

I believ this is the part going up right now..

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2009_10_bradley.jpg

http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.12.cropcut.jpg

Master Plan
http://www.pbase.com/cityflyer/image/84492220/original.jpg

Bradley West cam: http://www.earthcam.com/clients/lax/?project=cam1&page=pano

Hi does anyone know if I can post a couple of pix here of the southwest terminal (Terminal 1)?

Hi does anyone know if I can post a couple of pix here of the southwest terminal (Terminal 1)?


Yes of course, go ahead.

Anyone have any idea where the new American Eagle satellite terminal is? I heard they demolished the old one to prep the worksite for the new Bradley.

Anyone have any idea where the new American Eagle satellite terminal is? I heard they demolished the old one to prep the worksite for the new Bradley.

here's google maps image of it (its a long rectangular building off to the side of the seven main terminals (if I am not mistaken):

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lax&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=La+World+Airport,+1+World+Way,+Los+Angeles,+California+90045&amp;gl=us&amp;ll=33.944103,-118.402442&amp;spn=0.004949,0.009645&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=lax&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=La+World+Airport,+1+World+Way,+Los+Angeles,+California+90045&amp;gl=us&amp;ll=33.944103,-118.402442&amp;spn=0.004949,0.009645&amp;t=h&amp;z=14&amp;source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

Wow.. I didn't know that. I took an Eagle flight from that terminal and back last Thanksgiving (Nov. 2010).

Ok. This is pic I took while boarding into my flight at the Southwest Terminal of LAX. I only thought of taking a pic as I was about to board! Hope to have some pics while coming back... This is also the first time I am posting a picture in skyscrapercity... :)

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uY4mAt1HQVfKXO-0bLBFaQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TYGi6zoZmKI/AAAAAAAAFqY/m0MNf-kwd5c/s800/Photo0075.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a>

Closer look

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1UE2ieJaT6dCUTqcUDUgdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TYGi7EjlaAI/AAAAAAAAFqY/wfZAzX3p3K0/s800/Photo0076.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a>

Some LAX photos. Taken last feb 2011.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5407166110_a2e7e76cf0_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5407169076_99550b62ba_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5407178128_6bc6d6d951_b.jpg

Great pictures guys.:cheers:

Great pictures guys.:cheers:

Thanks. Promise to have some more of Terminal 1 when I return to LA.

Hi everyone,

Here are some Terminal 1 photos I took when I arrived recently. Since I arrived at late night, the place was relatively less crowded. :) Enjoy!

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/blS6GPL5aT3wiCoF5ZbbEo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmOMAtjTI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/iR3p6eJO49U/s640/Photo0302.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ueVuHZBEqHsB1nN-XDbWKo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmOQ2cnjI/AAAAAAAAFrU/y4_0bhrS1XI/s640/Photo0304.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hbF2OJPLFJBXv0DxEISSN44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmOnp2VlI/AAAAAAAAFrY/EF_7iHhMHx4/s640/Photo0307.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WuXyjGtx-B5nqpqHIUdUOI4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmO6U8o8I/AAAAAAAAFrc/aLyLGS8G1EQ/s640/Photo0308.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

More pictures of terminal interiors....

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jbbc6-3ovjjqcEO4oOThSY4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmPAFQinI/AAAAAAAAFrg/TKEQswxtWeo/s640/Photo0309.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lDybg_wou0JrSPr0qSOp-Y4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmPQINXBI/AAAAAAAAFrk/N2WTuNC7Hlw/s640/Photo0310.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A5Ph1oJcasIJUZCgdYDjxI4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmPqq9azI/AAAAAAAAFro/SHYN7SLobIM/s640/Photo0311.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w9qxyxWCbEvHEo5ZxvQWSY4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmPo8ZQGI/AAAAAAAAFrs/dcG2bZ5Sups/s640/Photo0312.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_YgDdLW3TxDTbQR--UhE-I4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmP2Yap7I/AAAAAAAAFrw/6dIvSU5-tg8/s640/Photo0313.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E7P0SOfXRZ9PWVyH-kjRPI4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmQOPhyFI/AAAAAAAAFr0/EM6XdIUf6sg/s640/Photo0315.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1ULavfMUOVaH0eU89j24FY4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmQFekMiI/AAAAAAAAFr4/BaQ3xbKSbgc/s640/Photo0316.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

Baggage claim pictures....

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9dWXuwg10aRxxQ02wZKkro4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmR_KARkI/AAAAAAAAFsc/TiLETE2OU84/s640/Photo0317.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w8rF3W1yMe-6xxCPRjDrWo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmQQzaKvI/AAAAAAAAFr8/-IVpPmF0ElU/s640/Photo0318.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wuj1HWVI9YNN7EgzIt7g4Y4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmQqwrM9I/AAAAAAAAFsA/5DjEJS4Z6Y8/s640/Photo0319.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9h-utr-j9EdpFOqMcRvQT44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmQwJG87I/AAAAAAAAFsE/6gOg4Pxf2Ic/s640/Photo0320.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oEuVniLae9HySAunGgr1g44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmRLJdznI/AAAAAAAAFsI/t63knpTzrg8/s640/Photo0322.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HmqfvQ_LdM05eHNmXCR8Yo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmRKJLZeI/AAAAAAAAFsM/HvLSoMgvW14/s640/Photo0323.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gk6Yyzuk_y7lJXysVHyr8o4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmRYYjpiI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/T6W-EEr5uzo/s640/Photo0324.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MtcQz44aAB8EukOY98i8j44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmRgJvmiI/AAAAAAAAFsU/YNHLfgaARxA/s640/Photo0325.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NdW5fYtvldN9JOeQgAFT_44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmR-PPRmI/AAAAAAAAFsY/f8Xu4x7NuuU/s640/Photo0326.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i1_9TVQ2Hjj5XUyq4HR_GI4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmSPWsPiI/AAAAAAAAFsg/DzedPTzck4k/s640/Photo0328.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

United Airlines baggage carousels:

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SpxQEfjNfiv9J729i_JjvY4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmSWHx3sI/AAAAAAAAFsk/1hSmrqqYAbU/s640/Photo0329.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

Pick-up area

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eqKwFTPa-QrhUOStTlMmuI4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmSsgTW1I/AAAAAAAAFso/6uKhVGJfINU/s640/Photo0331.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

Bottom of Theme Building:

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kD-LZMFRs8KwqDx-9WpSOY4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmS23K9EI/AAAAAAAAFss/McqQ_8x7HnM/s640/Photo0333.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_tiWCWhHSeY9T13VoA4jCo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmTB9Iy1I/AAAAAAAAFsw/uy_6iI3ZUqw/s640/Photo0334.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kKUdhq-WTepaiyNlrMeJ0Y4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmTbjFLnI/AAAAAAAAFs0/LLg1kiHq5Jk/s640/Photo0335.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pz9ZLhN5b61hv_LFl24ubo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmTny7gII/AAAAAAAAFs4/w8ztVhgGObA/s640/Photo0340.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

OK folks, this is the final set of LAX pix. Next photos show the changing colors of the Light Towers (installed prior to the 2000 Democratic National Convention)..

These were taken from a car obviously. Hope you like it. :)

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZKrzl307VkbDfIBuVY23v44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmT0H_QaI/AAAAAAAAFs8/a4kyMzLb5Ug/s640/Photo0341.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Og-uA0A1sMsXSLuNY9TH1o4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmUGNP4QI/AAAAAAAAFtA/2yYfcbGY1D0/s640/Photo0342.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tLdI3BU0p4XJhJUJbfuQMo4ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmUCwmvZI/AAAAAAAAFtE/9Zk28c0STj4/s640/Photo0343.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uTlT6sWPFOwRX3n2etIgj44ysl4XI6fpTKPhod5CBgc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XGvCajusTgE/TZFmURfbBLI/AAAAAAAAFtI/wwzpuypHLl8/s640/Photo0344.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>

Thank you

Thank you

Alaska Airlines plans LAX move, renovations
Terminal 6 renovation to be completed by summer 2012

http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/flights/lax.asp

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/2011/04/04/alaska-airlines-plans-lax-move-renovations/

AMERICAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES FIRST NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO SHANGHAI FROM L A X . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/j0409311-777934-1.jpg . American Airlines Tuesday will launch daily, nonstop flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles International Airport, which was cited as the busiest travel route between the United States and China.

American will become the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights between the two cities. Airline executives said they hope to capitalize on a route that served more than 201,000 travelers last year.

"This new Shanghai route demonstrates LAX's role as the nation's international gateway to Asia," said Michael Molina, the airport's deputy executive director of external affairs.

The new route is scheduled to take flight this afternoon following a news conference by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, airport officials, airline executives and Qiu Shaofang, China's ambassador to Los Angeles.

Flights are scheduled to last 13 hours aboard Boeing 777 jetliners equipped with 16 first-class, 37 business-class and 194 economy-class seats, airline executives said.

American gained approval in October to fly the route, just one week after submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Shortly afterward, United Airlines applied and won permission to launch flights from LAX to Shanghai beginning in May. United currently offers flights from LAX to Shanghai, but passengers must change planes in San Francisco.

Previously, China Eastern Airlines was the only carrier that offered nonstop flights between LAX and Shanghai, which is China's most populous city with nearly 20 million people. .
Along with the Shanghai route, American will launch domestic flights through its American Eagle brand, linking LAX to airports in Sacramento; Oklahoma City; Houston; Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Boise, Idaho; Albuquerque, N.M.; El Paso, Texas; and Tucson, Ariz.

As part of the deal, American Eagle is spending $20 million to build four new gates at a remote terminal just east of Terminal 8. The project, set for completion by the end of this year, will give the carrier a total of 10 gates at LAX.

The move also significantly bulks up American's presence at LAX, where the carrier will operate 152 daily flights to 42 destinations.

"Los Angeles is a key international gateway for American," said Derek DeCross, vice president of sales for the airline, based in Forth Worth, Texas.

"Our focus is on providing customers with as many travel options as possible at LAX," DeCross said. "That's what our moves today are all about." .
art.marroquin@dailybreeze.com . ART MARROQUIN DAILY BREEZE

Anyone have any idea where the new American Eagle satellite terminal is? I heard they demolished the old one to prep the worksite for the new Bradley.

I believe American Eagle moved to the old United Express terminal (just east of terminal 8) since United moved all of those operations into Terminal 8 itself.

My last visit @ LAX
LAX

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i7VHbNvIW2c

I notice you can see the end of the new terminal on webcam... during the day of course..
http://www.cargolaw.com/lax_webcam2.html

i7VHbNvIW2c

"LA Area Airports" buddy.

AMERICAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES FIRST NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO SHANGHAI FROM L A X . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/j0409311-777934-1.jpg . American Airlines Tuesday will launch daily, nonstop flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles International Airport, which was cited as the busiest travel route between the United States and China.

American will become the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights between the two cities. Airline executives said they hope to capitalize on a route that served more than 201,000 travelers last year.

"This new Shanghai route demonstrates LAX's role as the nation's international gateway to Asia," said Michael Molina, the airport's deputy executive director of external affairs.

The new route is scheduled to take flight this afternoon following a news conference by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, airport officials, airline executives and Qiu Shaofang, China's ambassador to Los Angeles.

Flights are scheduled to last 13 hours aboard Boeing 777 jetliners equipped with 16 first-class, 37 business-class and 194 economy-class seats, airline executives said.

American gained approval in October to fly the route, just one week after submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Shortly afterward, United Airlines applied and won permission to launch flights from LAX to Shanghai beginning in May. United currently offers flights from LAX to Shanghai, but passengers must change planes in San Francisco.

Previously, China Eastern Airlines was the only carrier that offered nonstop flights between LAX and Shanghai, which is China's most populous city with nearly 20 million people. .
Along with the Shanghai route, American will launch domestic flights through its American Eagle brand, linking LAX to airports in Sacramento; Oklahoma City; Houston; Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Boise, Idaho; Albuquerque, N.M.; El Paso, Texas; and Tucson, Ariz.

As part of the deal, American Eagle is spending $20 million to build four new gates at a remote terminal just east of Terminal 8. The project, set for completion by the end of this year, will give the carrier a total of 10 gates at LAX.

The move also significantly bulks up American's presence at LAX, where the carrier will operate 152 daily flights to 42 destinations.

"Los Angeles is a key international gateway for American," said Derek DeCross, vice president of sales for the airline, based in Forth Worth, Texas.

"Our focus is on providing customers with as many travel options as possible at LAX," DeCross said. "That's what our moves today are all about." .
art.marroquin@dailybreeze.com . ART MARROQUIN DAILY BREEZE

I had the pleasure to travel this American route last week... very long, but very pleasant flight.

Not sure what this was all about.. But I'm sure it's created a few problems.

16;30 LAX time Monday 9th.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/Screenshot2011-05-10at92708AM.png

I didn't hear anything of it, hmm.

SanBAG, the San Bernardino County transportation-planning agency, has expanded the light-rail project between San Bernardino's city center and the University of Redlands to include a station at San Bernardino International Airport.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5708105382/" title="Phased Implementation of the Light-Rail Loop and the Metrolink Extension by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/5708105382_9dd7af298b_o.jpg" width="1223" height="596" alt="Phased Implementation of the Light-Rail Loop and the Metrolink Extension"></a>

Way-Finding along Harry Sheppard Boulevard
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636242531/" title="Way Finding along Harry Sheppard Boulevard by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5636242531_fae1e7fff8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Way Finding along Harry Sheppard Boulevard"></a>

Entrance Roadways
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636812328/" title="Entrance Roadways by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5636812328_e47e884201.jpg" width="500" height="266" alt="Entrance Roadways"></a>

Installation of Canopies to Collect Solar Energy above the Airport Parking Areas
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636224599/" title="Installation of Canopies to Collect Solar Energy above the Airport Parking Areas by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5636224599_694aa2df67.jpg" width="500" height="399" alt="Installation of Canopies to Collect Solar Energy above the Airport Parking Areas"></a>

Million Air Executive Terminal
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636204345/" title="Million Air Executive Terminal by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5636204345_c96b509408.jpg" width="458" height="500" alt="Million Air Executive Terminal"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636186991/" title="Million Air Executive Terminal by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5636186991_8921c5719f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Million Air Executive Terminal"></a>

Hangar-Integrated Office Space Available for Lease
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636218433/" title="Million Air Hangar-Integrated Office Space by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5636218433_057e91b88f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Million Air Hangar-Integrated Office Space"></a>

Construction of New Customs Facility
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5636758990/" title="Construction of the New Customs Facility by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5636758990_ca13a2e1cc.jpg" width="500" height="183" alt="Construction of the New Customs Facility"></a>

Installation of Inland Empire Graphics
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5614569716/" title="Installation of Inland Empire Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5614569716_7cde3ef74e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Installation of Inland Empire Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

Installation of Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5613990297/" title="Installation of Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5613990297_91a540d01f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Installation of Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

Installation of Southern California Graphics
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5613987605/" title="Installation of Southern California Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5613987605_b12e556a83.jpg" width="500" height="328" alt="Installation of Southern California Graphics at San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

Concourse
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5614024315/" title="Concourse, San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5614024315_7706fd0221.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Concourse, San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5614039139/" title="San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5614039139_933d4ef23a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/5614036793/" title="Construction of San Bernardino International Airport by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5614036793_1f44c40b5b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Construction of San Bernardino International Airport"></a>

when is that light rail line supposed to be built? i had no idea San Bernardino was planning a metro.

when is that light rail line supposed to be built? i had no idea San Bernardino was planning a metro.

2015.... The project has been in the works for a while. And, apparently, track improvements will be made first.

The project leaders only recently announced the expansion of the line to form a loop. From what I understand, connecting the airport to the new multimodal terminal is now considered a major priority, so that stretch will probably be completed concurrently with the section to the University of Redlands.

San Bernardino is bringing more than half a dozen modes to the new multimodal terminal in the city center. The first to be completed is the sbX B.R.T. connecting San Bernardino State University in the North with Loma Linda University in the South in 2013.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/3491296414/" title="sbX Tramway between San Bernardino State University and Loma Linda University (2013) by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3491296414_dca1366acc.jpg" width="500" height="385" alt="sbX Tramway between San Bernardino State University and Loma Linda University (2013)"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/4424008627/" title="Conceptual Rendering of the San Bernardino Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village (2013) by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4424008627_b7b1660383.jpg" width="500" height="254" alt="Conceptual Rendering of the San Bernardino Intermodal Transit Center and Transit Village (2013)"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pragmaticidealist/4424708492/" title="Cross-Section of the West Pavilion by zIDEAz, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4424708492_91cd9a0728.jpg" width="500" height="312" alt="Cross-Section of the West Pavilion"></a>

LAX.....

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/Screenshot2011-06-28at44947AM.png

Pic I took back on Memorial Day weekend...new Bradley u/c:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/DSCN3459.jpg

IMO the LAX website (http://www.lawa.org/welcomelax.aspx) looks very outdated and should be changed alongside the airport.

Does anyone else feel the same way?

LAX

LAX hopes to dominate the Western skies once again
At least $4 billion is being spent on additions to the Bradley International Terminal, improvements to several domestic terminals and upgraded utilities and taxiways to handle the latest generation of super-sized jumbo jets.

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2011-07/62953141.jpg
Carpenter Jerry Flores works on the metal frames that will be installed in the upper arc of a window in the Bradley West project at LAX. Contractor Walsh Austin is building the massive project that includes new runways, a new terminal and is expected to be completed in late 2012. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times / July 1, 2011)


By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times

July 3, 2011
Barring another terrorist attack or recession that disrupts air travel, Los Angeles International Airport — long ranked among the nation's worst aviation hubs — is on a path that could restore its reputation as the West Coast's dominant international gateway.

Modernization projects now underway mark the first major expansion of passenger facilities since the Tom Bradley International Terminal was built for the Summer Olympics 27 years ago.

Since then, LAX has steadily fallen behind the modernization efforts of other big-city airports. Aging terminals and a lack of amenities have undercut passenger satisfaction and the airport's share of overseas travelers, some of whom fly into San Francisco, which opened a stunning international terminal in 2000.

Now airport officials, including those beyond Los Angeles, say LAX's stature is on the rise. At least $4 billion is being spent on additions to the Bradley terminal, improvements to several domestic terminals and upgraded utilities and taxiways to handle the latest generation of super-sized jumbo jets.

"We want to do in three years what other airports have done in seven or eight," said Los Angeles airport chief Gina Marie Lindsey, who was hired four years ago to get languishing modernization efforts moving.

John L. Martin, the veteran airport director hailed for remodeling San Francisco's airport, says that "any competitive advantage we had in terms of facilities on the international side will be going away" with the Bradley West project, now being built. It is to house a grand hall filled with upscale restaurants, posh lounges and luxury boutiques.

The addition's massive steel skeleton is visible and will include new concourses, gates, 1 million additional square feet of floor space and an expanded customs area. It will eliminate the hassle that international travelers encounter when flights stop short of the Bradley terminal and passengers are bused to the immigration processing area.

Other pending projects include a giant passenger processing center and a new concourse west of the Bradley terminal that would add more gates. It would be linked to the main terminal area by a steel-and-glass sky bridge, and an elevated tram would whisk passengers to other remodeled terminals. A new station would link the entire airport to the growing regional rail network.

Lindsey acknowledged that the ambitious modernization schedule will rely on meeting upbeat passenger projections and avoiding another economic downturn, a terrorist attack on the nation or hikes in fuel costs and ticket prices.

"The other projects will depend on how much the airport grows," she said, "and how much we can pay down our debt."

Half a century ago, LAX was conceived as a futuristic, cutting-edge reflection of the jet age, a vision still projected at the airport by the historic Theme Building, which looks like a flying saucer suspended on curved concrete legs.

For decades, the airport that ushered in its first jetliner in 1959 prided itself on operating a no-frills facility that stressed low costs for airlines and the efficient movement of passengers.

In the terminals, travelers could buy little more than the basics: a newspaper, a cup of coffee, cafeteria fare and a preflight libation. The mantra was: "We are an airport, not a shopping mall."

The utilitarian philosophy served the airport well. Attracted by low costs and the emergence of Los Angeles as a huge market for air travel, foreign and domestic carriers steadily added service, fueling the region's economy.

But by the 1990s, the terminals were dated and falling into disrepair. Modernization schemes were proposed by Mayors Richard Riordan and James K. Hahn to greatly expand the airport's footprint and add new terminals.

Both plans met stiff opposition from residents and neighboring cities worried about traffic congestion, noise, pollution and the likelihood that homes and businesses would be demolished to make way for improvements.

As politicians and airport neighbors fought over how best to revitalize LAX, the terminals deteriorated further. Water mains broke, escalators failed, concrete fell from the legs of the Theme Building and passenger areas grew more crowded.

Officials realized too that the old gates could not accommodate the latest wide-bodied aircraft, including the giant Airbus A380 now in service.

Research showed that the worsening conditions contributed to passenger declines even before air travel was slammed by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. LAX lost about 12% of the airline seats on its weekly international departures from 2000 to 2006, while many other U.S. gateways posted gains.

The stakes were particularly high for the local economy. A 2006 study found that a single international flight traveling roundtrip daily from LAX generated $623 million a year in business activity for the region and supported 3,120 jobs.

The threat of a downward spiral sparked a new commitment — and a new approach — to reviving LAX under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Within months of his election, Villaraigosa settled a major lawsuit and compromised with neighbors so certain airport projects could proceed, as long as some projected passenger growth was pushed to other airports in the region. The deal limited the capacity to 78 million passengers a year, about 11 million fewer than Riordan had sought.

Aviation officials say LAX's development also has been hampered by a high turnover of airport directors. Over a 30-year period, eight leaders came and went, including interim chiefs and one who served twice. San Francisco by contrast, had just two in that time.

Villaraigosa put Lindsey in the top job, where she has remained for four years, longer than the combined tenure of the two directors who preceded her.

Lindsey got the Bradley West project moving, cleared the way for improvements to domestic terminals and helped to bring a more passenger-centric view to LAX planning. "We are looking at the most innovative things at sports venues, shopping malls and convention centers," she said. "We want to create an environment that is soothing, welcoming and alive."

To help finance the current renovations, the airport sold $2 billion in bonds. The debt will be paid with fees charged to airlines, revenue from concessions and charges added to the cost of tickets.

Officials hope passenger volumes will grow so the debt can be paid down and more money can be borrowed to keep improvements coming.

The latest five-year forecasts from a top industry analyst and the Federal Aviation Administration indicate that the number of passengers at LAX will increase from 59.1 million to between 62 million and 68 million by 2014.

But some FAA and LAX forecasts have been unreliable — wildly so — partly because of unforeseen events. LAX had been expected to grow over the last decade, but the number of passengers actually declined by 8.2 million.

Contributing to the downward pressure were the Sept. 11 attacks, the outbreak of a highly contagious illness in Asia, dramatically higher fuel prices in 2008 and the recession.

In 2010, LAX handled 15.9 million international passengers, a 5.5% increase over 2009, but 1.6 million below the peak in 2005. The growth rate was slower than San Francisco's.

In addition to uncertainties about future revenue related to passenger growth, LAX has to balance the pace of improvements with the rising costs it is imposing on airlines, industry analysts say.

If fees become too high, carriers, particularly discount airlines, might be discouraged from operating at LAX or adding flights there.

"At about $11 per enplaned passenger, LAX has had some of the lowest rates for years. Now they are talking about $20 per passenger or more," said Jack Keady, an airline industry consultant based in Playa del Rey. LAX officials had "better pay attention to their costs."

Despite the new modernization efforts, local business leaders remain concerned that LAX still lags behind its competitors, which also are looking to upgrade and compete for lucrative international travelers.

"There has been some progress, but we still have a 1984 airport competing in a 2011 world," said Russell Goldsmith, chief executive of City National Bank and chairman of a business coalition that views the improvement of LAX as vital to boosting local commerce.

Goldsmith says airport officials must move faster to remake domestic terminals, connect LAX to transit lines and further separate the two northern runways, a proposal that might improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations.

But the runway proposal is rekindling the political fires surrounding airport improvements. One watchdog group that helped sink earlier master plans, the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion, contends the proposal is unnecessary and will harm communities to the north of LAX.

The alliance recently made the north runways an issue in the race to represent the 36th Congressional District, which includes LAX. It obtained a pledge not to expand the airport from one of the two primary election winners, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

dan.weikel@latimes.com

Times staff writer Maria L. LaGanga in San Francisco contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times


Article and graphs
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lax-restoration-20110703,0,6565178.story

cM8NZ5M_nKs

Thanks for the video!!

Perhaps the state needs a CEQA siesta.

Glad to see an improvement in facilities, especially if they actually help people move through the airport quickly and easily. A people mover will be great if done right. And of course changes for new technology is what improvement is all about.

The rest of the article is rather doubtful. I don't really see people deciding which city to go to based on the airport ("I really wanted to go to London, but decided on Frankfurt because of their cool airport.").

And for quasi-governmental agencies, getting accolades (or criticism) from your own industry always merits a second look. The awards are usually based on your ability to squeeze more money out of taxpayers with less service provided. Remember that to a bureaucrat, the tax collector is the highest form of hero.

The rest of the article is rather doubtful. I don't really see people deciding which city to go to based on the airport ("I really wanted to go to London, but decided on Frankfurt because of their cool airport.").

I would beg to differ here. Yes, obviously as a final destination the airport plays a smaller role (although I know a lot of people that will decide on a flight based upon Midway vs O'Hare) but it plays a major role as a connection hub. If I'm coming from the east coast going to Asia and I'm presented with two flights one through SFO and the other through LAX the decision on airport becomes huge if I know there are more shortcomings in one of them. (Personally I know I will do just about anything to avoid flying through DFW because of the airport layout and how difficult it usually is to do connections there vs someplace like Denver.)

The rest of the article is rather doubtful. I don't really see people deciding which city to go to based on the airport ("I really wanted to go to London, but decided on Frankfurt because of their cool airport.").
.

Well, some people will decide whether to pay a second visit to the city based on the city.

I mean, LAX is pretty damn crappy compared to all the other airports in the "big cities" around the world.

Perhaps I'm in the minority here but I really don't want to need my airport to be a mall. I want it setup logically and have sightlines to my terminals that make it easy for me to point myself in the right direction and go. LAX isn't bad at all it just looks like it is heavily used. I like the ease of the horeshoe terminal layout and that every terminal is independent meaning I can take a short walk to the front of any terminal and I'm outside waiting for a shuttle bus or cab.

I'm actually glad LAX is getting this face lift. I've been to Incheon and that airport blew me away. It's kind of like a mall. There are a lot of lounges with TVs, internet stations, stores and food areas. All the terminals are connected and you can freely move on to any. Just imagine ontario mills; that's how the layout is. That's why it's the #1 airport in the world.
I see the design of the add ons and it is shaping up to be similar to that.
LAX is depressing right now. When enter through the international terminal, it feels depressing to be entering in America.

Perhaps I'm in the minority here but I really don't want to need my airport to be a mall. I want it setup logically and have sightlines to my terminals that make it easy for me to point myself in the right direction and go. LAX isn't bad at all it just looks like it is heavily used. I like the ease of the horeshoe terminal layout and that every terminal is independent meaning I can take a short walk to the front of any terminal and I'm outside waiting for a shuttle bus or cab.

agreed. i think the horseshoe is genius and LAX really is an easy airport to use. Now, it does need to be modernized and updated because it was never built to handle 60 million passengers a year, and we also need a rail link or 3, but i dont see the need for a crazy mall in the airport. i like where they are headed with local restaurants though, i always thought that that would be a good idea to give the tourists a local flavor.

I hate the airport as a mall concept. If I'm stuck in an airport their are 3 things that I need: food, charging station and a bed. Where are the beds?

Atlanta has a Minute Suites, which sounds like that may be your kind of thing.

Curt Fentress, founder of Fentress Architects, visits the Bradley West program:
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_0179-300x199.jpg
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_0258-199x300.jpg
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_0277-300x199.jpg
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_0233-300x199.jpg
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DSC_0237-300x199.jpg

Original pics can be found here:
http://www.fentressarchitects.com/lax/?p=92

John Wayne Airport expansion: More parking, more restaurant choices, new terminal
The Orange County airport expansion is set to open Monday, with more parking, new restaurant choices, state-of-the-industry check-in and a third terminal.
By Chris Erskine, Los Angeles Times staff writer
Los Angeles Times
November 13, 2011

Beginning Monday, passengers at Orange County's John Wayne Airport will find more parking, more elbow room, state-of-the-industry check-in kiosks and an array of works from local artists. They'll also find more places to plug in a laptop and more places to lap up a lunch.

It's all part of the biggest upgrade at John Wayne since the airport's Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened in 1990, modernizing a facility that has historically carried more cachet than most regionals because of its landmark noise-abatement work in the '80s and '90s.

At the very least, the $543-million project will mean a better and more pleasant way for travelers to start or end a trip.

"It's a two-pronged approach," airport director Alan Murphy said of the project's goal. "We hope to make the customer experience better in hopes of attracting more airlines."

However, he added, "the basic architecture is the same. The thing they're going to notice is a more open terminal area and the way it's lighted."

The most striking change is the new Terminal C, home to Southwest and Frontier airlines. The terminal, which joins the existing A and B terminals, has its own short-term parking lot, and for the first time, a customs area. John Wayne's only international flights go to Canada, but the airport is hoping to add more, with Mexico being the most likely target.

"Flight of Ideas," a Plexiglas-and-steel salute to birds and the freedom of flying, will hang over the new baggage claim area of Terminal C, probably the most attention-grabbing of the new art displays that will grace gate areas and the bridges that connect the three terminals.

The space allotted to concessions will nearly double. One of the existing Starbucks is being replaced by a Ruby's Shake Shack , playing off a landmark in the Crystal Cove area of southern Orange County.

New bars and lounges will include a Hobie Sand Bar and the Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar & Grill. Laguna Culinary Arts plans to open an airport version of a farmers market, where travelers can grab fresh, healthful snacks.

Visitors also will find more short-term parking. The Terminal C parking structure adds 2,024 spaces, but construction closed others down, leaving a net gain of 1,024 spots at an airport that often reaches parking capacity, particularly at midweek. If needed, there is the option of adding 800 more spaces down the line.

Patrons will be able to swipe a credit card at the parking lot exit, a change intended to eliminate parking stubs and expedite payment. On-site lots cost $2 an hour.

Power-hungry passengers will find more outlets at gate waiting areas. As before, there will be free Wi-Fi, and there will be new work areas at gates as well.

Check-in kiosks will not be airline-specific in Terminal C, a change that will also be seen eventually in terminals A and B. It's all part of a general airport trend to use generic service areas that airlines can share and open and close to accommodate passenger loads.

"The major flaw with [John Wayne] is just that it is so crowded," said passenger Mike Mitchell, who estimates he uses the airport 16 times a year, mostly for business. "But I'm thinking that the move of Southwest to the new terminal may help alleviate that."

How big will John Wayne Airport get? That depends largely on adding new airlines and flights.

The 41st busiest airport in the U.S. handles about 250 commercial flights a day, compared with 1,700 at behemoth LAX. The new construction adds 282,000 square feet, but because of runway limitations on the cozy 500-acre footprint, John Wayne will never be able to handle the bigger A380 or 787 aircraft.

Curfews also limit John Wayne's traffic. No flights can leave after 10 p.m., and no flights can arrive after 11 p.m.

Still, whatever John Wayne is doing, people will pay attention, says Aviation Week's Guy Norris, citing the airport's past leadership on noise control.

"Will this prove to be a second gateway to the south?" he asked, speculating that John Wayne could one day join LAX as a departure point to Mexico and the rest of Latin America.



Read More: http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-johnwayne-20111113,0,5226584.story

ConstructionWatching LAX's New Bradley West Terminal

Yesterday, we managed to get inside LAX's under-construction Bradley West International Terminal, which we've been seeing exterior shots of for quite some time now. Roger Johnson, the Deputy Executive Director of Airports Development, told a group of bloggers gathered for a tour that architect Curtis Fentress was in competition with Santiago Calatrava for the design--Fentress won out for his contextual approach. Before Fentress's firm created final designs, they and airport officials met with Angelenos from Westchester to the Valley and held charettes, collecting a set of 5,000 words to describe Los Angeles. The words were sorted into five groups--media, the future, diversity, change, the environment--and Fentress's team worked on designs for all five categories. You can see the crashing waves influence in the "environment" design that was chosen (see renderings here).

It's going to be bright in there>>
International travelers will get a much nicer intro to the city via Bradley West than from the old Tom Bradley--there are actually windows (big ones) and views to the city (even in yesterday's haze, we spotted the tiny little Hollywood Sign in the distance). Many of these photos show the Great Hall, a huge area with restaurants, retail, concessions, first class lounges (on the top level), and video screens galore. There'll be a "clock tower," which will usually show a clock (a callback to old school travel, says Johnson), and a big screen across from it called the storyboard (the screens can show Los Angeles imagery, destination scenes, and yes, ads).

Phase I includes the west gates (which can handle jumbo-sized A380s) and the Great Hall and is expected to open in December 2012. The east gates of Phase II should be ready in late 2013.

Pictures: http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/11/constructionwatching_laxs_new_bradley_west_terminal_1.php

it's looking tremendously good

Picture taken this morning. The Great Hall may be the western edge of the new International terminal now represented by the larger domed construction in the distance. Looking North here. . http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6444880261_f5379de62e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52810288@N05/6444880261/) American Airlines, McDonnell Douglas MD-82 + Boeing 777-200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52810288@N05/6444880261/) by Ron Monroe (http://www.flickr.com/people/52810288@N05/), on Flickr

Picture taken three hours later than the above, showing the newly opened North/South taxiway being used by the airport's largest inhabitant, the A380. This is where the large suspension bridge will traverse from the East International teminal to the Western gates on the left side of the picture. That bridge, when finished, will be an icon. . http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6444743195_a0aa14328d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52810288@N05/6444743195/)
Qanta, Airbus A380 + LAX Changes (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52810288@N05/6444743195/) by Ron Monroe (http://www.flickr.com/people/52810288@N05/), on Flickr

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/6444880261_89c7f49f3d_o.jpg

^^ Coming along nicely...and much needed, the current Intl. terminal being a certified dump. I'll snap a few pics the next time I fly out in January.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/DSC_0277.jpg . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/photokki.jpg . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/photo1.jpg . http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%203/DSC_0179.jpg FENTRESS

Does anyone know when the bridge will start construction? Or is it already under construction?

I don't believe that phase has been approved yet. Was just part of the conceptual model.

Facebook says LAX tops list of most 'social' airports
Los Angeles Times
December 13, 2011 | 9:06 am

Facebook has compiled a list of the world's most "social" airports and says LAX is No. 1.

The social networking behemoth found that more people share that they are at LAX than any other airport in the world.

Airports in the United States make up the top six spots on the list, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the No. 2 spot followed by Chicago O'Hare International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Dallas/Forth Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport.

Australia's Sydney International Airport was the first air hub overseas to make Facebook's list, coming in at No. 7. Rounding out the top 10 were Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

To determine the rankings, Facebook tabulated data from people sharing their location at airports on Facebook as well as third-party location services between August 2010 and November of this year.

Further down the list at No. 15 was John F. Kennedy International Airport. San Diego International Airport was No. 17.



Read More: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/12/facebook-says-lax-tops-list-of-most-social-airports.html

Read More: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/12/facebook-says-lax-tops-list-of-most-social-airports.html

I saw this and noticed that LA and its biggest destinations (SF, Phoenix, LV) dominates the list. But I guess they are big airports.

I saw this and noticed that LA and its biggest destinations (SF, Phoenix, LV) dominates the list. But I guess they are big airports.

World's busiest airports by passenger traffic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_busiest_airports_by_passenger_traffic

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6494844313_8e97eb75d7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/septim/6494844313/)
Cloudy LAX (http://www.flickr.com/photos/septim/6494844313/) by Eric Demarcq (http://www.flickr.com/people/septim/), on Flickr

^^ But .. notice our clouds are golden :)

December update: http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/LAXDev/Photos/ADG%20Update%2012-22-11.pdf

Some pics I took of New Tom Bradley construction January 4th:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc2/DSCN4358.jpg
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Does anyone know the background/purpose of airport "gatehouses"? Those are the concrete and glass encased structures located at each gate. Is this a new phenomenon or have these been built for awhile? I ask because I seem to see these more and more often during new airport construction, especially for major international terminals. I'm wondering if it has to do with the size of the jet, since it's not as common to see them for domestic flights.

Just a comment to go along with the pictures above. I flew out of (and back into) Terminal 6 and the place right now is a disgrace. There is some type of internal construction or maintenance going on, and this together with the generally shabby and outdated state that the place is in to begin with, make for a facility which is inferior to many in the developing world (no exaggeration here). I am very glad for the Tom Bradley enhancements as they are not just a vanity but a necessity for LAX to remain a functional air hub of a modern metropolis. And I only hope that...in the not too distant future...the same treatment is applied to the remainder of the terminals.

Also Slipperydog - sorry I don't know the answer to your question, but maybe someone else does.

Just a comment to go along with the pictures above. I flew out of (and back into) Terminal 6 and the place right now is a disgrace. There is some type of internal construction or maintenance going on, and this together with the generally shabby and outdated state that the place is in to begin with, make for a facility which is inferior to many in the developing world (no exaggeration here). I am very glad for the Tom Bradley enhancements as they are not just a vanity but a necessity for LAX to remain a functional air hub of a modern metropolis. And I only hope that...in the not too distant future...the same treatment is applied to the remainder of the terminals.

Also Slipperydog - sorry I don't know the answer to your question, but maybe someone else does.

Terminal 6 has been completely gutted and is being rebuilt on the inside. Once it is completed Alaska Airlines will relocate from Terminal 3 to be the primary tenant. It should be one of the nicer ones once completed.

Terminal 6 has been completely gutted and is being rebuilt on the inside. Once it is completed Alaska Airlines will relocate from Terminal 3 to be the primary tenant. It should be one of the nicer ones once completed.

Well, I'll hope for the best. Last time I went to JFK in NY in 2009, I was very impressed by the new Jet Blue terminal. I had generally tended to regard JFK as one of the crappiest US airports, based on my past experiences there, but the Jet Blue terminal was truly classy...showing that meaningful updates can be made to sprawling old airports with the right planning and investment. I certainly can't say I am as upbeat about Terminal 6 at LAX, from what I saw...but will reserve judgement till the job is done.

If we need a model for future domestic terminals, I hope we use SFO's Terminal 2. That place is fantastic.

Thanks for the pics, Tanz!
It's good to see cranes, isn't it?
Any crane, anywhere.

^^ Welcome, Milque! And as someone who does periodically use Tom Bradley, what those cranes are constructing are very appreciated!

While there has certainly been a paucity of cranes of late, hopefully we'll be adding a few to the Wilshire Grand site very soon.

Virgin America adds daily non-stop service to Philadelphia

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/01/virgin-america-philadelphia/605377/1

Just a comment to go along with the pictures above. I flew out of (and back into) Terminal 6 and the place right now is a disgrace. There is some type of internal construction or maintenance going on, and this together with the generally shabby and outdated state that the place is in to begin with, make for a facility which is inferior to many in the developing world (no exaggeration here). I am very glad for the Tom Bradley enhancements as they are not just a vanity but a necessity for LAX to remain a functional air hub of a modern metropolis. And I only hope that...in the not too distant future...the same treatment is applied to the remainder of the terminals.

Also Slipperydog - sorry I don't know the answer to your question, but maybe someone else does.

Great pics btw, thank you for sharing them with us. Regarding the terminals at LAX, let's not forget that LAWA usually leases the terminals to the airlines, and they are partly responsible for their upkeep and/or renovations. Of course the international terminal is the responsibility of LAWA and now we see them doing something remarkable,....for once.

Big news came down today...

LAWA TO RECEIVE MINIMUM $331.1 MILLION WITH WESTFIELD CONCESSIONS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR FOOD-BEVERAGE, RETAIL SERVICES AT LAX

(Los Angeles, California – January 23, 2012) Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved a 17-year Terminal Commercial Manager Concessions Agreement with Westfield Concession Management, LLC, (Westfield) to develop, lease and manage food-and-beverage, retail, specialty retail and certain other passenger services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The forecast minimum revenue to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is $331.1 million over the full term, which is comprised of a two-year development period and a 15-year operational period. Westfield and its concessionaires will be required to invest no less than $81.9 million in initial improvements and $16.4 million in mid-term refurbishment improvements to four facilities: the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), New TBIT currently under construction, Terminal 2 (LAX’s second busiest international terminal), and the airport’s iconic Theme Building. The agreement covers a minimum of 84,261 square feet of concession area.

“Los Angeles World Airports is undertaking a $4.11-billion modernization program at LAX to improve customer service, safety and security at one of the most significant international gateways in the world,” said LAWA Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey. “A major focus of our customer service improvements is to create a cohesive, memorable and high-quality dining and shopping experience with a variety of new and innovative options that offer a ‘sense of place’ reflecting the Los Angeles region. Our selection of Westfield Concessions Management will allow us to meet the demands of today’s travelers for quality dining, shopping and other services in a timely, cost-effective manner.”

“Westfield is very proud to be selected to partner with Los Angeles World Airports in the transformation of Los Angeles International Airport,” said Peter Lowy, Westfield Group chief executive officer. “We are fully committed to bringing our global resources and development expertise to deliver an iconic, world-class airport experience.”

As Terminal Commercial Manager for the two international terminals and Theme Building, Westfield will select concessionaires subject to LAWA approval; design, develop and oversee construction of concession and related spaces; market and promote the concessions; negotiate and administer contracts with each concessionaire; and monitor and manage performance (including quality control over products and service levels, financial performance, and ensuring concessions are operational anytime passengers are in the terminals). To enable clear separation between managing and operating, as well as eliminate any conflicts of interest and, thereby, ensure consistent quality, customer service and performance monitoring, Westfield is not allowed to operate any of the concessions.

The agreement calls for Westfield to place a high priority on developing areas critical to the opening of the Great Hall/Core and West Gates phases of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (total 1.3 million square feet) scheduled in spring 2013.

This is the first time LAWA has adopted a Terminal Commercial Manager business model and Westfield Concessions Management, LLC, was selected from among three proposers following the release of a Request for Proposals in May 2011.

Proposals were evaluated by a panel of four LAWA executives and one outside member on criteria that included: concession development experience/capabilities; design and construction experience/capabilities; management team dedicated to LAX; conceptual plan for LAX terminal improvements; financial capacity and commitment; process for concessionaire selection and approval; managing initiatives defined under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program; managing concessionaire performance and operations; and financial proposal.

Westfield currently has operations similar to LAWA’s Terminal Commercial Manager model at nine other U.S. airports, including New York/John F. Kennedy International, Boston/Logan International, Ronald Reagan/Washington National, Washington/Dulles International, and George Bush Intercontinental/Houston.

On a related matter, the Board of Airport Commissioners also approved today a conditional, five-month professional services contract valued at $350,000 to Westfield to develop a conceptual design for concessions critical to the opening of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal areas. This action allows Westfield to begin working immediately on conceptual designs to submit to LAWA and various permitting agencies for review and approval, while their Board-approved contract is under consideration by the Los Angeles City Council. Under this contract, LAWA will only reimburse Westfield for design services if their contract is not approved by the city council, and LAWA will own all documents, designs and applicable work products.

http://www.lawa.org/newsContent.aspx?ID=1531

New TBIT flyover and walkthrough

Dm501SNsxss

This article says that the opening of the western gates has been pushed back three months to March 2012, the eastern gates will open in December 2013.

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_19813675

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Great pics, Slippery D!

^^ Great pics. I fly out from LAX again next month...will take some pics for you guys then, if new Tom Bradley is in view.