Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) have unveiled the first major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LAX – a joint $2.3 billion investment to modernise and upgrade one of the airline’s key global hubs.
Phase one of the multi-year terminal transformation project kicks off the launch of Delta’s decade-long, $12 billion investment in airport hubs from coast to coast, cementing the airline’s commitment to transform the travel experience in the air and on the ground.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and other public officials from the city of Los Angeles and LAWA celebrated the milestone by debuting the new headhouse at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week.
“Over a decade ago, we committed to becoming the premier airline of Los Angeles. Today, we are celebrating a huge milestone in making the Delta Sky Way project dream a reality. In partnership with LAWA and the City of Los Angeles, we’ve built a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will make travel through LAX a seamless and elevated experience, ” Bastian said. “This terminal unveiling is just one example of our many critical infrastructure investments totaling more than $12 billion across the country. From coast to coast, customers will choose Delta for leading with innovation to build the airports of the future.”
On 20 April, Delta will welcome customers to the centralised check-in lobby and expanded security checkpoint and baggage claim for the first time, creating a more efficient and seamless experience from the moment they arrive.
The consolidated check-in lobby will feature 32 self-serve kiosks and 46 check-in positions to serve customers upon arrival.
“LAX is a central pillar of our economic strength, and our ability to bounce back so strongly from the pandemic is largely tied to direct investments we’ve made to help realise its full potential,” Garcetti said. “This facility is just the latest milestone in our work to completely reimagine this airport — joining a long list of recently completed projects that are transforming the passenger experience and turning LAX into one of the premier airports in the world.”
When the Delta Sky Way at LAX project is complete in 2023, Terminals 2 and 3 will be a consolidated, 1.2-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art, 27-gate complex, providing an easy-to-navigate customer journey as well as connect Terminals 2 and 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), enabling quick airside connections to Delta and Delta partner-operated flights.
The check-in and baggage drop area features a 250-foot digital backwall that spans the entire length of the facility, featuring flight information in both English and Spanish as well as Sky Club volume and gate information.
In partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Delta is also enabling qualifying passengers to use the latest facial recognition technology to check bags completely hands-free through use of their digital identity (made up of a customer’s SkyMiles Member number, passport number and Known Traveler Number).
The facility will initially open with seven security lanes with all 14 checkpoints fully operational by late summer.
In addition to the central headhouse, a completely renovated Delta Sky Club at LAX will open to passengers in April and be one of the largest in Delta’s system. It features over 30,000 feet of premium space, including an indoor/outdoor double bar, a year-round outdoor Sky Deck, premium showers and more, for customers to relax and recharge before, during or after their travels.
Moreover, in support of Delta’s broader sustainability commitments, the new headhouse features elements designed to meet CalGreen 2016, including:
- Low-flow water fixtures
- Recycling of over 75% of construction waste
- Low-emitting materials for interior spaces to maintain indoor air quality
- A “cool roof” to reduce the heat-island effect and maximize air conditioning energy use
Six baggage claim carousels will live on the first floor of the headhouse, providing plenty of space to customers procuring their baggage upon arrival.
“The modernisation of the Terminals 2 and 3 headhouse is an outstanding example of how Los Angeles International Airport is transforming our facilities and adopting innovative solutions to make the passenger journey more efficient, secure and pleasant,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “We are very excited about this latest collaboration with Delta Air Lines that will provide passengers with an amazing new front door to Terminals 2 and 3.”
