Ground broke on a $1.6 billion project to modernize Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this week, through reconstruction of its Terminals 4 and 5.
The project is the result of investment by American Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports, marking the largest individual airport investment in American Airlines’ history. It will update the infrastructure of the facility’s two busiest domestic terminals, remodeling its check-in and security processing, increasing seating, and opening access to more technology.
“American has proudly served Los Angeles for more than 70 years,” Doug Parker, American Airlines chairman and CEO, said. “From the very beginning, when LAX first became a commercial airport in 1946, we’ve played a major role in keeping Southern California connected to the world. This remains one of the most important and fastest-growing markets for American, and today is a tremendous step forward as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the City of Angels.”
American will also restructure its break rooms, meeting rooms and team gathering spaces, to update facilities for its employees. Overall, the project could create as many as 6,000 jobs.
“Los Angeles stands at a global crossroads — a place where the world comes to meet, innovate and create,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “American’s commitment to the reinvention of Terminals 4 and 5 will create good, middle-class jobs and better connect Los Angeles to the world.”