Los Angeles Airport USD1.5 billion development reaches half way mark

US' Los Angeles Airport (LAX) stated (15-May-2012) the airport's USD1.5 billion terminal project has reached its half-way mark. Just months remains until the first opening phase of the new Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) in Spring 2013 as part of which both the great hall and the new west side boarding gates will open. Phase two east gates will be completed by the end of 2013. With 1.24 million sqft of new building area the new Bradley West terminal will double the size of the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal. The terminal is the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar development programme that has already seen the completion of a USD737 million renovation of TBIT that upgraded the facility with a new in-line baggage screening system and interior improvements. The largest construction project in LA's history has created more than 4000 jobs during the four year schedule to enhance the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal which will mean the addition of new gates to accommodate new-generation aircraft and a great hall for dining, retail and passenger amenities. Funded entirely by LAX operating revenues, capital improvement programme funds, fees from airlines, passenger facilities charges and airport revenue bond proceeds the development has not used any taxpayers funds. [more - original PR]