US – Despite falling traffic and a decline in Southern California’s business and tourism economy, city officials have awarded contracts for a major overhaul of the airport’s international travel facilities.
The planned redevelopment of Los Angeles International Airport, the fifth busiest airport in the world, includes adding more than one million square feet of terminal space and modernising facilities that were last upgraded in preparation for the city’s hosting of the 1984 Olympics.
The $1.3billion contract award is the largest ever for a single project in Los Angeles, according to city officials.
“This is an opportunity to send a message that we are serious about keeping and attracting new business,” said LA councillor Janice Hahn.
The redevelopment will create new security checkpoints, ticket counters, immigration and customs space, as well as adding passenger lounges and a large central hall with restaurants and shops.
In September, commissioners approved a rebuild of Dallas/Fort Worth airport’s four terminals at a cost up to $2billion, while Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is getting a new international arrivals facility that will cost $1.7billion, scheduled to open in 2012.
