Airport Experience® News - Retail & Amenities Issue 2023

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technology, LAX and Delta partners focused on making the upgraded facilities and terminal connection as sustainable as possible, says Merritt. “Terminal 3 is designed to help meet LAWA’s sustainability goal to eliminate carbon emissions from its facilities,” she says, adding that the project team was able to recycle 75% of its construction waste and that all of the building’s systems are designed to meet CalGreen tier 1 and LEED Silver standards. The terminals’ eco-f r iendly features al so include low-f low plumbing fixtures that will eventually function from 100% recycled water, regionally-sourced recycled design materials, and a “cool roof” to reduce the heat-island effect and keep air conditioning use low. Noting that LAX now prohibits the sale of single-use plastic water bottles, the new sustainability regulations and intentional design are all part of LAX’s commitment to moving toward a “zero waste” airport, says Merritt. Concessions Upgrades Another boon for passengers are the many recently opened and upcoming concessions in Terminals 2,3, and Tom Bradley International. “Los Angeles is a world-class dining and shopping destination, and we are proud that our airport concessions program

In May of this year, the Delta Sky Way’s West Headhouse and Delta One check-in area began providing another entry point to check in and get to security at Terminal 3. Additionally, guests can take advantage of advanced self-service kiosks in the space, making checking in luggage and printing boarding passes simple and user-friendly. The project, finished ahead of schedule, is part of a more than $30 billion renovation of the entire LAX campus. Terminal 3, a 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex, debuted in April 2022, featuring a centralized check-in lobby, expanded security checkpoint and baggage claim area, as well as a state-of-the-art Delta Sky Club, one of the largest in Delta’s portfolio. Nine additional new gates, new concessions and spacious seating areas opened to customers in October 2022. Below: In late August, Los Angeles World Airports and Delta Air Lines cut the ribbon on the $2.3 billion Delta Sky Way, a new enclosed passageway that creates a direct post-security connection between the upper floors of Terminal 3 and Tom Bradley International Terminal. LAWA CEO Justin Erbacci spoke at the opening. Beow, Right: Recent upgrades to Terminals 2 & 3, and the opening of the Delta Sky Way, are part of a comprehensive, $30-billion-plus renovation of Los Angeles International Airport.

JessicaMerritt, director of communications for development projects at LAWA, says the upgrades are needed “ support capacity needs as well as make guests’ experiences seamless and efficient.” The renovated facilities will be completed ahead of the 2028 Olympics, which Los Angeles is hosting. Airport officials hope the investments will pay off in supporting the millions of spectators, athletes, and competition officials who will descend on the city in July 2028. “With Los Angeles being formally designated as the Olympics’ 2028 host city in September 2017, many of the projects being realized as a part of our transformation were already in the deliberative phase or approved to move forward,” says Merritt. “Our modernization is also putting billions of dollars into the local economy as we prepare to welcome the world to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and prepare for the record-breaking passenger numbers we anticipate in the coming years,” adds Erbacci. A full overhaul of the airport’s parking and police facilities, Terminals 1,7, 8 as well as the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal have already been completed, and several upcoming projects are well on their way to the finish line, says Merritt. In addition to the implementation of cutting-edge security and check-in

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