LA TOURISM AND LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS SHOWCASE NEW LAX TERMINAL WITH FLOAT IN 2013 ROSE PARADE
More than 7,000 fragrant roses and nearly 5,000 carnations will adorn a float created by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to replicate the $1.5-billion New Tom Bradley International Terminal opening in 2013, when the 124th Annual 2013 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade steps off on January 1, 2013.
Entitled, “Making Connections,” the floral extravaganza is based on the tournament’s Dr. Seuss theme, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” and is expected to be viewed by more than 130 million people in 220 countries and territories worldwide. The float is the 115th consecutive annual entry for the City of Los Angeles, making the City the longest running parade float participant. No taxpayer funds are used for the float.
“Los Angeles tops the list of places people want to go as one of the most visited destinations in the United States and, every year, LAX assists more than 62 million passengers with ‘making connections’ worldwide. The parade theme couldn’t have been more perfect for the Los Angeles tourism message and the global exposure for the destination is priceless,” said Patti MacJennett, senior vice president - business affairs for LA Tourism.
“The float represents iconic images that passengers encounter throughout their LAX experience,” said Gina Marie Lindsey, LAWA executive director. “The centerpiece of the float features the New Tom Bradley International Terminal, a state-of-the-art transportation facility that will have gates capable of handling larger, new-generation aircraft, and 150,000 square feet of premium retail, dining and luxury lounges. ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” is truly a sentiment for passengers who will use this new gateway to the world.”
Designed by Pasadena-based Phoenix Decorating Company, the float builders used artistic interpretation to showcase the gateway entrance to the airport with its prominent multi-colored LAX Pylons surrounded by swaying palm trees to signify L.A.’s sun and fun; the iconic Theme Building, which has been home to The Encounter Restaurant since 1997; and a street sign that contains all 25 of L.A.’s Sister Cities. A focal point of the float is the New Tom Bradley International Terminal with a replica of a Boeing 767 jet that soars almost 17 feet high, and representatives from six Sister Cities, including: Auckland, New Zealand; Guangzhou, China; Mexico City, Mexico; Nagoya, Japan; Berlin, Germany; and Salvador, Brazil.
About Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of City government, LA Tourism is recognized as the City’s official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com, Facebook.com/LosAngelesFan; or go to Twitter @discoverLA.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States, offering more than 600 daily flights to 91 domestic cities and more than 1,000 weekly nonstop flights to 56 cities in 32 countries on nearly 75 air carriers. It ranks 13th in the world in air cargo tonnage processed. In 2011, LAX served nearly 62 million passengers, processed over 1.8 million tons of air cargo valued at nearly $80 billion, and handled 603,912 aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs). LAX is part of a system of
three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
LAWA is in the midst of a $4.1-billion capital improvement program at LAX, generating 40,000 local jobs. The program’s centerpiece is the $1.5-billion New Tom Bradley International Terminal which includes new gates for latest-generation aircraft; new concourses and seating areas; new retail and food-and-beverage offerings reflecting Los Angeles’ cuisine and culture; and expanded areas for more efficient security screening, immigration and customs processing. There also are several major airfield and facility projects, including a replacement Central Utility Plant, new taxiways and taxi lanes, and new on-airfield aircraft rescue and fire-fighting station. Multi-million-dollar renovations are also being undertaken by both LAWA and the airlines to the other terminals.
While some projects are already completed and the new international terminal and Central Utility Plant will be completed in 2013-2014, the entire multi-year construction program will be completed by 2016. This is the largest public works program in Los Angeles history.
