Due to a reduction in passenger numbers, LAX is to accelerate work on its Delta Sky Way terminal modernization project – a US$1.86bn project to modernize, upgrade and connect Terminals 2 and 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The facilities will now be ready in mid-2023, 18-months earlier than previously scheduled.
“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, which will deliver an exceptional experience much faster than planned for our customers and employees,” said Mark Pearson, Delta vice president – corporate real estate. “This is all possible thanks to the incredible support of LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports), 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, currently only possible via shuttle bus, and the project will provide access to the LAX Automated People Mover, opening in 2023.
“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, creating a key linking point for the north terminals and providing easy access to the Automated People Mover train when it begins operations in 2023.”
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. Other new features will 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;
- A 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 line-ups;
- The largest Delta Sky Club found anywhere, featuring an indoor/outdoor double bar, a year-round outdoor Sky Deck, premium showers and more;
- New restroom facilities;
- More access to at-seat power in gate areas;
- Modern, intuitive signage;
- Connection to the Automated People Mover train, which is expected to be fully operational in 2023, connecting 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.
The Delta Sky Way project is part of the US$14bn LAX Modernization Program that will see LAX transformed in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Delta has also accelerated construction of the US$3.9bn transformation of its New York – LaGuardia hub with an anticipated new completion by the end of 2025 – six months ahead of schedule.
