Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has begun work on a $230 million project that is expected to improve the guest experience at its Terminal 6, including a complete overhaul of the gate areas and lounges, and the replacement of passenger boarding bridges.
The work in Terminal 6 includes improvements to how passengers access U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Federal Inspection Station (FIS) and the modernisation of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Security Screening Checkpoint, which will feature five Automated Screening Lanes and three standard lanes. A drive-through bus gate, which will provide better access for guests transferring to or from other terminals, is also part of the project.
Airside improvements include new apron paving, fuel lines and other airfield infrastructure.
“LAX is bringing to life our vision for a reimagined airport from top to bottom, providing the very best terminals, transportation and services to our guests,” said Sean Burton, President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “Terminal 6 represents another opportunity to put our best foot forward to the world as we deliver on our infrastructure promises.”
Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), added: “The modernisation of Terminal 6 is a crucial piece of how we are elevating the guest experience at LAX through our industry-leading investments in technology, amenities and facilities. Along with our partners at Alaska Airlines, we are excited to begin work on this next terminal project, as we create a world-class airport for Los Angeles and our guests.”
In addition, work is currently under way to construct a Terminal Vertical Core that will connect Terminals 5 and 6 to the future Automated People Mover train system.
Three gates on the southeast end of the Terminal 6 satellite are currently closed as work takes place in that area. The work will continue in phases through 2023.
Four gate area holdrooms will be enlarged as part of the project, with renovations taking place in 11 other gate areas, creating a cohesive look throughout the space. The project is being administered by Alaska Airlines, which is the leaseholder in Terminal 6, with Rivers and Christian serving as designer and PCL the lead contractor.
“Our Alaska and oneworld guests travelling from Terminal 6 at LAX will benefit from a greatly enhanced experience thanks to this modernisation project,” said Shane Jones, Vice President of Real Estate & Airport Development, Alaska Airlines. “The guest experience is at the heart of everything we do, and the focus in this project is to improve every step of the journey, from the security checkpoint with the latest technology, to modern expanded holdrooms with powered seating, to improving our operational performance with key infrastructure upgrades, this investment is all about the Alaska guest.”
In addition to Alaska Airlines, Air Canada leases two gates and shares a common-use gate in Terminal 6. The terminal also currently serves Boutique Air and Southern Airways.
The original Terminal 6 satellite was built in 1961 along with many of the current LAX Central Terminal Area facilities. A second-level concourse with four gates was added to Terminal 6 in the mid-1980s, and two projects totalling $318.5 million were completed between 2012 and 2016 to renovate the baggage claim area and ticketing lobby, as well as update and expand concessions space.
