FIRST PYLON FOR NEW LANDMARK SERIES OF COLUMNS TO BE INSTALLED 
Placement of Part of the First Symbolic Gateway Pylon Marks the Beginning of a New Era

WHAT: As part of the major, $112-million "LAX Gateway Enhancement Project," a 114-foot tall metal skeleton truss of the first gateway pylon will be hoisted into place on LAX property after midnight. This milestone sets the stage for construction of the additional pylons during the upcoming weeks. Constructed of translucent glass encircling a metal truss and towering at 100 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter, 15 pylons will form a ring at the intersection of Century and Sepulveda Boulevards. In addition, a series of smaller pylons ranging from 25 feet to 60 feet high and 6 feet in diameter will be constructed along the Century Boulevard median from Aviation to Sepulveda Boulevards. Once in place, this new landmark series of columns signifying the entrances into the airport will be lighted and provide Los Angeles with a portal for the future. The airport will be identified through 32-foot-high letters "L-A-X" to be located at the intersection of Century and Sepulveda Boulevards.

The "Gateway Enhancement Project" is an aesthetic upgrade to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The project is designed to make the facility more attractive and convenient to passengers and visitors to the airport. In addition to the pylons, planned upgrades include new landscaping, improved signage and lighting, a new public address system for the Lower/Arrivals Level, pedestrian walkways, and other practical improvements.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 26, 2000, 12:30 a.m.

WHERE: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) West of Sepulveda Blvd. and South of Park One

WHO: Project Manager Joe Averza of 3Di International will be on-hand to answer questions regarding the construction process for the pylons.

Event photos will be available upon request.

CONTACT: Los Angeles World Airports Public Affairs at (310) 646-5260 AND Agnes Huff or Dominic Friesen of Agnes Huff Communications at (310) 641-2525 or E-mail at ahuff@ahuffgroup.com