American Airlines & LAWA Break Ground on $1.6 Billion Renovation of LAX Terminals 4 & 5

On October 17, 2018, American Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officially broke ground on a $1.6 billion modernization project to fully reimagine Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminals 4 and 5. The project marks American’s largest individual investment at an airport in its 92-year history, and reaffirms the airline’s commitment to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino and LAWA Commissioner Sean Burton and CEO Deborah Flint joined American Airlines Chairman and CEO Doug Parker, Senior Vice President of Los Angeles Suzanne Boda and frontline team members for a ceremony to unveil the project and begin construction in Terminal 5.

“Los Angeles stands at a global crossroads — a place where the world comes to meet, innovate and create,” Garcetti said. “American’s commitment to the reinvention of Terminals 4 and 5 will create good, middle-class jobs and better connect Los Angeles to the world.”

“Our mission to create a world-class airport can only be realized in collaboration with our airline partners like American Airlines, and we are grateful for the substantial commitment they have made to improving our guests’ experience at LAX,” Burton said. “We have set high expectations for LAX, and the project we are kicking off today will raise the bar for both American and this airport.”

“Today marks an important milestone in the journey to creating an airport experience second to none,” said Flint. “The improvements included in the lease agreement between Los Angeles World Airports and American Airlines are ones that go to the heart of the guest experience. Working together with our airline partners as we reimagine our airport, we will transform LAX into the gold-standard airport that this city deserves.”

“American has proudly served Los Angeles for more than 70 years,” Parker said. “From the very beginning, when LAX first became a commercial airport in 1946, we’ve played a major role in keeping Southern California connected to the world. This remains one of the most important and fastest-growing markets for American, and today is a tremendous step forward as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the City of Angels.”

The project will fully modernize and update LAX’s two busiest domestic terminals. When completed, the new facility will create a world-class customer experience, with efficient check-in and security processing areas; more inviting gate areas with increased seating and modern amenities; and greater flexibility for airline operations to incorporate new technologies.

The unified departure hall will combine the entranceway of Terminals 4 and 5. Together with the secure-side bridge connecting Terminal 4 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), movement between terminals for connecting passengers will become significantly easier and more convenient.

Construction is now underway to reconfigure the Terminal 5 ticket lobby, allowing for the buildout of the Landside Access Modernization Project (LAMP), a new facility being built between Terminals 4 and 5 that will provide vertical circulation (elevators, escalators and stairs) for passengers arriving from the new Automated People Mover (APM) train system.

In total, the project is expected to generate more than 6,000 jobs with more than 30 percent dedicated to local labor and 20 percent for minority- and women-owned business participation. Additional benefits and features include:

• Fully upgraded and modernized Terminal 4
• Unified 300,000-plus square-foot, 28-gate complex for Terminals 4 and 5
• Less roadway congestion thanks to access from public transportation via the new APM train system
• A spacious new departure hall that allows direct natural sunlight throughout the building to reduce energy consumption
• Reconfigured ticket counter and check-in areas to reduce wait times before security screening
• Seamless access from check-in area directly to security screening areas 16 lanes for security screening with automated technology
• Transparent design with modern signage to intuitively guide passengers to their gates
• Modern, state-of-the-art finishes and restroom facilities
• Upgraded amenities at gate areas, including more access to power outlets and world-class dining and retail options

Construction at Terminals 4 and 5 will occur in a phased approach to ensure a world-class experience for American’s nearly 16 million annual customers and more than 7,300 team members at LAX. The majority of the public-facing components of the project are expected to be completed in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics. During construction, customers are encouraged to use the following tips and tools:

• Download the American App before you fly to check in, access your mobile boarding pass, track your bags, stay informed of your flight status and more.
• Visit aa.com prior to arriving at LAX for special updates, airport details and ticket counter hours.
• Arrive early to allow plenty of time to navigate traffic and secure parking.