FIX LAX Coalition Pays Off

by Gary Toebben

For many years, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of a coalition of business, labor, airlines, passengers and civic stakeholders who have been pressing for the modernization of LAX. A groundbreaking at Terminal 1 today represented the success of that effort.

Sometimes it’s hard to grasp the benefit of the countless meetings and public hearings that are necessary to modernize a public asset like LAX. Today the result was obvious. I was proud to watch L.A. Mayor Garcetti, L.A. City Councilmembers, LAWA officials and Bob Montgomery with Southwest Airlines break ground on a $508 million renovation of Terminal 1.

The modernization of this aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, will transform the entire passenger experience from the curb to the gate. It will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a refurbished baggage claim area; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

In collaboration with Southwest Airlines and LAWA, the concourse design by Westfield will feature a modern Californian feel with open and expanded views. Plans include full-service restaurants, a variety of grab-and-go food offerings, and new high-end retail and travel essentials.

Before the Airport Commission and City Council approved the Specific Plan Amendments for LAX modernization 18 months ago, improvements like those begun today were at a standstill because prior plans called for the elimination of Terminal 1. That planning process took nearly a decade, but the value of persistence was on display today. 

The winners are many -- 1,500 individuals will be employed during the construction and hundreds of new employees will be needed for the new restaurants and shops. Every Southwest passenger will be better served and every vehicle entering LAX will experience less traffic congestion as they drive past Terminal 1. 

Thank you to the members of the L.A. Area Chamber, who never lost faith that LAX modernization could actually happen. Thank you to Southwest Airlines for investing $508 million. Thank you to Gina Marie Lindsey and the Airport Commission for leading the charge. And thank you to our elected officials who voted yes on the new plan for LAX modernization 18 months ago.

And that's The Business Perspective.