LAX New West Gates – Grand Opening!

Below is my summary of the grand opening event, with the main takeaways. Please also view my post about “What’s In Store for Passengers at LAX’s New West Gates?”.

• About the West Gates Intro Video (32:56) – This is the start of the Grand Opening event. There was a long wait time. The West Gates, with 15 gates and 750,000 square feet, is a modernized terminal that serves as the latest symbol of the reimagined LAX experience. We are in a new jet age and the new terminal is the most technologically advanced facility of its kind, setting the bar for international airports. We fulfill the mission to serve the World, and connect people, places, and cultures.
• Welcome by Honorable Eric Garcetti, Mayor City of Los Angeles (34:35) – The West Gates project was a huge infrastructure project that did not stop during the pandemic. It kept LA moving and will continue to do so. It’s all about people and experiences, and the resilience we can build coming out of the pandemic. This project, and many more that are in the pipeline, are a huge creator of local jobs. What we have done in Los Angeles will continue to serve as an inspiration for the rest of the World. As the entertainment capital of the World, we want people to arrive and be “feeling LA”.
• Impact on Neighborhoods by Honorable Mike Bonin, Councilmember, Los Angeles City Council District 11 (45:54) –Los Angeles has had a joint vision of modernizing the airport as a world class airport and an airport that is a first-class neighbor. This vision is becoming a reality. Through this project, passengers can better appreciate their moments at LAX. This project also created so many good paying jobs. With a LEED Silver project, LAX is leading the way to being at the forefront on the fight against climate change and being a sustainable airport. Finally, the project gates creates less noise and disruption for the people who live in Westchester and Playa Del Rey.
• Passenger Experience Video (50:06) – Passengers will connect to the West Gates via tunnel under the airfield and ascend into a space inspired by a town square. There, they will be surrounded by views of the airfield. There are world class shopping and dining, airline clubs, play areas, work counters, conversation pods, and interactive displays to orient the passenger. The terminal has places to charge up, two nursing rooms, pet relief area, and rotating art gallery.
• Capital Project Recruitment and Results by Sean Burton, President, Los Angeles Board of Commissioners (52:30) – The West Gates project was approved by the Los Angeles Board of Commissioners in 2016. At the time, it was the largest award in the history of the City ($1.7 billion). It had positive mega-economic impacts. It resulted in $300 million awarded to small businesses. The West Gates also provided placement opportunities for nationally recognized Higher LAX Apprenticeship Program. A total of 1.88 work hours and $12 million in wages were paid out in the program. Capital projects needed a 30% local hire minimum during design and construction. This goal was exceeded.
• LAX Innovation and Technology Video (56:36) – The West Gates is a technologically advanced facility, with self-service kiosks, self-boarding technology at the gate, and automated bag storage and retrieval. Also, for the first time, passengers can check bags in up to 24 hours through early bag drop service.
• What’s Next by Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (58:48) – The West Gates marks one of many new projects that will be opening in the coming months of the reimagined, world class LAX with global connectivity, state of the art facilities, and an unrivaled passenger experience. Passengers, cargo tonnage, aviation revenue, and concessions have grown tremendously between 2013 and 2019. LAX’s sustainability action plan is to move to 0 emissions and renewable energy by 2045. LAX also has a goal to be a first class neighbor and improve its relationship with community members. LAWA wants a passenger journey that is more efficient and comfortable.
• LAX Design and Sustainability Video (1:04:35) – The West Gates has a cool roof reflective of the ocean swell of the nearby Pacific Ocean, and windows to let in the California sun as well as reduce the electricity consumption. The design of the building is built with sustainability in mind. It is equipped with LED lighting, water saving plumbing, a cool roof. It exceeds LEED Silver and Cal Green Tier 1 Certifications. It uses 29% less energy, 41% less water than conventional designs. The terminal was built with 20% recycled content. LAX has a goal of meeting zero carbon emissions by 2045.
• Construction Highlights by Rory DeJohn, Managing Partner, Turner PCL Joint Venture / Senior Vice President, Turner Construction (1:06:43) – The hiring of people from the community was a key focus of the project. During the pandemic, the project included the management of 1,200 workers daily and a total of 85,000 trade workers. This was an enormous task. This terminal is so much more than a transfer point. The terminal will support economic growth for Los Angeles. It will serve as a gateway to a point of connection for the city and members of the community as the first and place people will see. It so well reflects vibrancy and diversity of the great City of Los Angeles. Sustainability and efficient features can be found throughout the terminal (energy and water). The modern terminal includes the inclusion of the latest technology.
• Opening of the Ramp Tower by Cary Buchanan, Airport Manager II, Los Angeles World Airports (1:12:20) – The LAX Ramp Tower is controlled by LAX Operations. Cary opened all West Gates for aircraft activity.