COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR “LAX on the MOVE” AND TRAVELERS ARE ADVISED TO PREPARE

(Los Angeles, California – May 5, 2017) The largest airline terminal relocation in the history of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and one of the biggest ever at an operating airport - begins one week from today, and Mayor Eric Garcetti joined officials from Los Angeles World Airports and Delta Air Lines to remind passengers to “know before you go” as the moves begin the night of May 12.

“We are investing more than $14 billion to make LAX one of the world’s premier airports, and this unprecedented relocation brings us closer to realizing that vision,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “We have spent months planning for this historic move — and once it’s complete, the LAX experience will be even more enjoyable and convenient for our millions of passengers.”

Over a five-day period in May, one-third of LAX’s nearly 70 airline partners will relocate their operations, many of them to new terminals, others to new ticket counters in their current home. Each airline will complete its relocation overnight and resume operations in their new location the following morning. A total of 15 airlines will move May 12-16.

“The ‘LAX on the MOVE’ team is continuing to plan, counting down to May 12,” said Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton.  “When the Board approved a new lease and license agreement for Delta Air Lines last summer, chief among our priorities was improving the guest experience at LAX. Delta’s plans for Terminals 2 and 3 fit this vision, and brings us one step closer to the LAX of tomorrow.”

Delta is planning improvements valued at up to $1.9 billion over the next seven years, modernizing and connecting Terminals 2 and 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).   To get Delta into its new terminals requires the movement of offices, ground service equipment, and, of course, planes.

“It all comes down to our guests being informed and taking the necessary actions to make sure  they are in the right place at the right time to catch their flights,” said LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “During the relocation and in the weeks following, passengers are advised to check-in online, print or download boarding passes, and check terminal and gate information before coming to LAX.  They should also arrive to the airport earlier than normal.  Once at LAX, passengers should check flight and gate status on flight information display boards in each terminal to ensure they are in the correct location.”

Between May 13 and 16, Delta flights will operate from as many as four terminals (2, 3, 5 and 6.)   The airline will be in constant communication with its customers, providing real-time information on departure and arrival terminals and gates through the Fly Delta app, text messages, emails and additional channels.  LAWA is working closely with Delta and the relocating airlines to keep the traveling public informed using advertising to communicate the move to passengers several weeks before, during, and after the move.  Social media platforms and websites will be used to raise awareness of the upcoming move, and signs will be posted in the Central Terminal Area (CTA), in terminals and on airport shuttle buses.

“Delta is betting big on Los Angeles with a $1.9 billion plan for Terminals 2 and 3 at LAX, representing the second-largest private infrastructure investment in the region,” said Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s Vice President – Sales, West. “Our relocation to Terminals 2 and 3 is a major milestone for LAX and an even bigger step forward for the future of LA as we continue work on the Delta Sky Way at LAX.”

Following the moves, airlines will resume operations in their new locations.  A total of 28 airlines are involved in the realignment, which began in January when American Airlines swapped four gates in Terminal 6 for four gates held by Delta in Terminal 5.  Copa Airlines moved its operations to TBIT in  April, with passengers checking in at Terminal 3. Hainan and Qatar Airways moved into TBIT in recent weeks. Thomas Cook resumed its seasonal service at TBIT, but will move to Terminal 6 later this summer.  Key changes as a result of the May 12-17 realignment include:

·         Terminal 2 – Delta, Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Volaris and WestJet.  Virgin Australia and Volaris customers check-in at T2 and are bused to TBIT for  departure and arrivals.  Aeromexico remains in Terminal 2 and relocates its ticketing counters; however, passengers will be bused to/from TBIT.

·         Terminal 3 – Delta.  Avianca, Copa and InterJet check-in only.

·         Terminal 5 – Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier and Sun Country.  American has four gates, and its American Eagle busing operation is also based here.

·         Terminal 6 – Virgin America joins its corporate partner Alaska Airlines. Air Canada and XL Airways France relocate from Terminal 2. Great Lakes and Mokulele remain in Terminal 6.  Boutique Air relocates from Terminal 3.

·         TBIT – Southwest Airlines’ (SWA) international flights arrive at TBIT, while SWA’s international departures and check-in remain in Terminal 1.  Avianca, Copa and Interjet departure and arrivals at TBIT.  Thomas Cook Airlines resumes seasonal service in May with departures and arrivals temporarily from TBIT.

Delta plans to deploy hundreds of people on site, wearing bright green vests, to help guide passengers the week of the move.  LAX Guest Experience Members (GEMS), dressed in blue, and Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs), in red, will also be available to provide guidance to passengers needing assistance.  A dedicated bright green shuttle bus will be available for passengers needing transportation between Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminals 5 and 6.

About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the world, second in the United States, and was named Skytrax’ 2017 Top 10 Most Improved Airports.  LAX served more than 80.9 million passengers in 2016.  LAX offers 742 daily nonstop flights to 101 cities in the U.S. and 1,280 weekly nonstop flights to 77 cities in 42 countries on 64 commercial air carriers.  LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with more than 2.2 million tons of air cargo valued at over $101.4 billion.  LAX handled 697,138 operations (landings and takeoffs) in 2016. 

An economic study based on 2014 operations reported LAX generated 620,610 jobs in Southern California with labor income of $37.3 billion and economic output (business revenues) of more than $126.6 billion.  This activity added $6.2 billion to local and state revenues and $8.7 billion in federal tax revenues.  The study also reported that LAX’s ongoing capital-improvement program creates an additional 121,640 annual jobs

with labor income of $7.6 billion and economic output of $20.3 billion, $966 million in state and local taxes, and $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.

            LAX is part of a system of two Southern California airports – along with Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.