Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches Construction Of $500-Million Terminal 1 Modernization Program At LAX

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) helped kick-off construction of the $508-million Terminal 1 Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilman Mike Bonin, City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles Airport Commission President Sean O. Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, and Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs Bob Montgomery. 

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, is expected to transform the entire Passenger experience from the curb to the gate, and will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be phased to minimize inconvenience to Customers, Employees, and guests.

"The Terminal 1 improvement project will bring a better passenger experience and 1,500 construction jobs to LAX," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "As part of our $7 billion investment in LAX, we're remodeling every terminal and creating 40,000 jobs. Because Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport."

"The partnership we have with Southwest Airlines will create the world-class experience we want for all LAX passengers," LAWA Executive Director Lindsey said. "As our passenger base continues to grow and change, we are working hard to increase efficiency and accommodate their needs today and in the future."

"The Modernization of Terminal 1 at LAX has long been in our sights," said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs.  "The renovation within our current space at Terminal 1 will allow us to better serve our Customers today as well as provide the opportunity to expand our network options alongside any growth in Customer demand."

When completed, the Passenger's journey from curb to aircraft boarding bridge will be transformed and designed to provide a more efficient and exciting travel experience.  By reorganizing the interior uses of the building and shifting the ticketing lobby and main entrances to the west, passenger drop off and pick up areas are anticipated to improve, as well as congestion in front of Terminal 1 reduced.

Once inside the terminal, Passengers will enjoy a brightened Southwest Airlines ticketing lobby with sleek design features and additional windows for more natural light. New, more-efficient security screening systems and added lanes are anticipated to shorten federal passenger security screening lines.  

In collaboration with Southwest Airlines and LAWA, the modernized concourse design by Westfield will feature a hip, modern Californian feel that taps into the LA feeling and energy of the Southwest brand.  The design vision forges the unexpected with efficiency, which is expressed through simple but sculptural forms curated with artisanal, creative and fun products, palette, and finishes. The design is expected to bring the terminal to life with opened and expanded views to flight operations and inviting sightlines outside, as well as authentic layers of materials and finishes, sculpted facades, and pops of color inside. 

Westfield's new retail and dining collection in Terminal 1 will offer 24 spaces across 25,242 square feet—nearly double the existing program.  Plans include full-service restaurants along with a variety of casual and grab-and-go food offerings, as well as new high-end retail and traveler essentials. The program will open in a phased approach, with the first Westfield developed spaces scheduled to open late Summer 2015.

"The redevelopment of Terminal 1 is another pivotal milestone in our journey to bring world-class dining, retail, and amenities to the millions of travelers who use LAX as their gateway to the world," said Dominic Lowe, Executive Vice President Westfield.  "We are thrilled to partner with Southwest Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports to create a uniquely Los Angeles, cutting-edge new environment and passenger experience to rival the world's best airport terminals."

When finished, Terminal 1 will accommodate 13 of the airline's larger Boeing 737-800 series aircraft, with updated passenger boarding bridges, aircraft apron pavement, upgraded hydrant fueling system, and electric-vehicle chargers to support its electric ground service equipment program.

Southwest Airlines is the only carrier operating out of Terminal 1. In 2013, Southwest was the fourth busiest airline at LAX based on Passengers enplaned, serving more than 7.4 million Passengers, or 11.1 percent of the airport's total passenger volume.  

The Southwest Airlines Program Team includes AvAirPros (program manager), ODEMCO (design manager), PGAL (design & engineering) and Hensel Phelps Construction Company (construction manager). The work is part of LAX's $7.3 billion capital improvement program, LAX Is Happening, projected to last through 2019. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate nearly 3,600 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, subject to government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity while over the United States that enables video-on-demand and a free, live TV offering of 13 channels compliments of DISH.  Bags Fly Free® at Southwest Airlines (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States.  LAX offers 692 daily nonstop flights to 85 cities in the U.S. and 928 weekly nonstop flights to 67 cities in 34 countries on 64 commercial air carriers.  LAX ranks 14^th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with over 1.9 million tons of air cargo valued at over $91.6 billion.  An economic study in 2011 reported that operations at LAX generated 294,400 jobs in Los Angeles County with labor income of $13.6 billion and economic output of more than $39.7 billion.  This activity added $2.5 billion to local and state revenues.  LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City's general fund.

For more information about LAX, please visit www.lawa.aero/lax or follow on Twitter @flyLAXAirport, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LAInternationalAirport, and on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/laxairport1.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines