LAWA, DELTA ACCELERATE TERMINAL TRANSFORMATION BY 18 MONTHS

Delta Sky Way Phase 1 completed ahead of schedule

(Los Angeles, CA) At a topping-out ceremony this afternoon with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Delta Air Lines secured the final beam for Phase 1 of the Sky Way transformation project at LAX – a $1.86 billion project to modernize, upgrade and connect Terminals 2, 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. 

 

The project includes Delta’s LAX central headhouse, where the final structural beam was placed today, which will include a consolidated check-in lobby, security checkpoint and bag claim facility as early as the first quarter of 2022. The overall facility will also provide connectivity after security between Terminals 2 and 3, which is currently only possible via walking or a shuttle bus. The project will also provide easier access to the LAX Automated People Mover, opening in 2023. 

 

“By working in close partnership and cooperation with Delta Air Lines, Los Angeles World Airports is leveraging opportunities to create efficiencies and deliver this project ahead of schedule by more than a year," said Sean Burton, Board of Airport Commissioners President. “We are grateful to Delta and all our partners who are helping us build world class facilities worthy of our great city.” 

“As we reimagine Los Angeles International Airport, the modernization of Terminals 2 and 3 is an example of how we are realizing our goal to be one of the top international airports in the world by creating new facilities and passenger experiences that are modern, streamlined and built on a framework of advanced technology,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “The new headhouse will be a new front door for Delta Air Lines guests, create a key linking point for the north terminals and provide easy access to the Automated People Mover train when it begins operations in 2023.”

 

“If there’s a silver lining to fewer people flying right now, it’s that we have an opportunity and a team with the know-how to pull the future forward on infrastructure projects like Sky Way at LAX to deliver an exceptional experience much faster than planned for our customers and employees,” said Mark Pearson, Delta VP – Corporate Real Estate. “This is all possible thanks to the incredible support of LAWA, the City of Los Angeles and our construction partners who are aligned with our vision, and our employees who continue to be nimble in supporting customers throughout each phase of construction.”

Delta’s LAX central headhouse will open in the first quarter of 2022 . The facility will also provide connectivity beyond security between Terminals 2 and 3, which is currently only possible via shuttle bus. 

 

When completed, the modern LAX facility will offer more security screening capacity, automated security lanes, more gate-area seating and Delta’s largest Delta Sky Club. This is in addition to all the amenities that Delta customers have come to expect at LAX, including the Delta ONE at LAX check-in space and a world-class concession program in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Corporation. Other key features and benefits include:

• A 27-gate complex on Terminals 2 and 3 with a secure connection to Tom Bradley International Terminal, enabling Delta and its global partners to effectively utilize gates in all terminals, while allowing customers to seamlessly traverse between each using convenient corridors, cutting down connecting times by up to 20 minutes;
• Brand new headhouse with centralized lobby, security screening checkpoint, baggage claim, and Delta Sky Club;
• Reconstructed Terminal 3 concourse with new gates and a complete renovation of the 1960s-style satellite building. Terminal 3 will be larger, have more gate and seating space and feature premium retail and dining lineups;
• The largest Delta Sky Club found anywhere featuring an indoor/outdoor double bar, a year-round outdoor Sky Deck, premium showers and more;
• A revamped Delta One check-in experience to speed through check-in, enjoy expedited security lines and more;
• Convenient and contemporary restroom facilities;
• More access to at-seat power in gate areas; 
• State-of-the-art finishes that provide a greater sense of space and comfort;
• Modern, intuitive signage, blended with digital elements;
• Connection to the Automated People Mover, which is expected to be fully operational in 2023, and connects to the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West, Consolidated Rent-a-Car facility and ultimately the LA Metro light rail, making it easier for customers to get from across LA to their airport terminal without getting into a car; and
• Airfield efficiency thanks to dual taxi lanes that allow for more streamlined movement of aircraft and on-time arrivals.

“We’ve built a robust domestic and international network out of Los Angeles that customers have quickly come to rely on,” said Scott Santoro – Vice President of Sales. “We remain committed to offering the destinations and service customers have come to expect from Delta out of L.A. as the Sky Way project continues and our network is poised to be stronger than ever out of LAX as we recover from the pandemic.”

 

The Delta Sky Way project is part of the $14 billion LAX Modernization Program that will see LAX transformed in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, of which Delta is the inaugural founding partner. It is being completed in partnership with LAWA and the City of Los Angeles, and is part of more than $12 billion in airport infrastructure projects that Delta is investing in at several of its key hubs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

 

 

About Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports, as well as aviation-related property in Palmdale. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service. Both airports make a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders. More information can be found at flylax.com.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.

 

About Delta

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) made a commitment to become LA’s premier, premium airline over a decade ago, and has since been the fastest-growing airline at the airport. LAX will continue to be one of Delta’s most important hubs as the airline continues offering service where customers need to go as it recovers from the global pandemic. Recently added service at LAX includes:

- Mexico and Central America with multiple daily trips to Cancun, Mexico City and San Jose del Cabo; and December holiday service to designations in Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador.

- Florida destinations including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa

- Sydney, Australia

- New Reno/Tahoe service is launching with three peak-day departures over Thanksgiving,

- December holiday service for ski enthusiasts to Bozeman, Mont., Jackson Hole, Wyo. and Sun Valley, Utah.

- Hawaii destinations with multiple trips to Honolulu and Maui, and service to Kona and Lihue.

 

Delta is the U.S. global airline leader in safety, innovation, reliability and customer experience. Powered by our employees around the world, Delta has for a decade led the airline industry in operational excellence while maintaining our reputation for award-winning customer service.

 

Today, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our customers and employees. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta has moved quickly to transform the industry standard of clean while offering customers more space across the travel journey. These and numerous other layers of protection ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for our customers and employees.