Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) this week marked the completion of the first major phase of the Delta Sky Way at LAX – a joint US$2.3 billion investment to modernise and upgrade one of the airline’s key global hubs.
Phase one of this multi-year terminal transformation project reinforces Delta’s decade-long, US$12 billion investment in airport hubs from coast to coast.
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Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines and Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Mayor, accompanied by other public officials from the city of Los Angeles and LAWA celebrated the milestone by debuting the new ‘headhouse’ at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
The consolidated check-in lobby will feature 32 self-serve kiosks and 46 check-in positions to serve customers upon arrival.
“Over a decade ago, we committed to becoming the premier airline of Los Angeles. Today, we are celebrating a huge milestone in making the Delta Sky Way project dream a reality. In partnership with LAWA and the City of Los Angeles, we’ve built a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will make travel through LAX a seamless and elevated experience,” Bastain said.
Delta, LAX’s largest global carrier, has long been committed to modernising and upgrading the airport experience for customers at its west coast hub. On 20 April 2022, Delta will welcome customers to the centralised check-in lobby and expanded security checkpoint and baggage claim area for the first time, creating a more efficient and seamless experience from the moment they arrive.
The check-in and baggage drop area features a 76-metre digital backwall that spans the entire length of the facility, featuring wayfinding in both English and Spanish as well as Sky Club volume and gate information.
When the Delta Sky Way at LAX project is complete in 2023, Terminals 2 and 3 will be a consolidated, 1.2- million-square-foot, state-of-the-art 27-gate complex, providing an easy-to-navigate customer journey as well as connect Terminals 2 and 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), enabling quick airside connections to Delta and Delta partner-operated flights.
Seven security lanes will be open to customers when the facility officially opens on 20 April, with all 14 checkpoints fully operational by mid-year.
In addition to the central headhouse, a completely new, premier Delta Sky Club at LAX will open to passengers in April and be one of the largest in Delta’s system. It features over 9,000 metres of premium space, including an
indoor/outdoor double bar, a year-round outdoor Sky Deck, premium showers and more, for customers to relax and recharge before, during or after their travels.
Six baggage claim carousels will live on the first floor of the headhouse, providing plenty of space to customers procuring their baggage upon arrival.
“The modernisation of the Terminals 2 and 3 headhouse is an outstanding example of how Los Angeles International Airport is transforming our facilities and adopting innovative solutions to make the passenger journey more efficient, secure and pleasant,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “We are very excited about this latest collaboration with Delta Air Lines that will provide passengers with an amazing new front door to Terminals 2 and 3.”
LAX continues to serve as one of Delta’s most important coastal hubs, where the airline today operates 140 daily flights to 53 destinations across the globe to destinations like Hawaii and Mexican beaches as well as to 18 of the top 20 markets for LA customers.
All images courtesy of Delta Air Lines.