American Airlines reaches next milestone in construction project at Los Angeles International Airport

American’s construction project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) recently reached a new milestone

• American’s team members played a part in history as they signed the final structural beam of the Terminal 4 and 5 CORE structure.
• Team members and executives from Los Angeles World Airports celebrated as the steel beam was raised and secured into place.
• When complete, the state-of-the-art CORE will directly connect local customers to the terminal via both the roadway and the Automated People Mover, which will make it easier for customers to easily navigate the airport in a new, modern space.

American Airlines is on a journey of building a terminal for tomorrow, a substantial multi-year commitment to modernize our hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and improve the customer experience at LAX’s two busiest domestic terminals to make traveling as easy as possible.

The airline, which will celebrate 75 years of service to Los Angeles later this year, recently celebrated a significant milestone in its construction journey at LAX, in which team members signed their names onto a piece of history that will prominently live atop of the Terminal 4 and 5 CORE. The CORE is the primary, centralized structure that connects the terminal areas with the screening checkpoint, ticketing and baggage claim areas, as well as the Automated People Mover (ATM) train system, curbside and parking areas.

In a topping out ceremony, team members and leaders from American were joined by executives from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to celebrate the final steel beam being raised into place and secured by its construction partners.

“We are creating the airport of the future at LAX, setting new standards for design, functionality, ease of use and the overall passenger experience,” said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. “The topping off of Terminal 4.5 is another step forward in our overall modernization program, and we are proud to partner with American Airlines to fulfill our vision of delivering a world-class airport.”

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, American has continued operating in both Terminals 4 and 5 alongside its construction partners, who have worked hard to ensure an on-time completion in October 2022.

“I’m excited to begin the next chapter as we move forward with the construction project and building out the Terminals 4 and 5 CORE,” said Rich Ashlin, Managing Director, LAX. “It’s great news for our team members and customers alike. We are building something that our customers will enjoy and we can be truly proud of.”

“Looking forward past the pandemic, we have a laser focus on delivering a reimagined, premium experience for our customers,” Ashlin continued. “Although fewer people are flying right now, we are preparing for their return and looking forward to brighter days ahead.”

The new state-of-the-art facility will have more efficient check-in and security screenings to reduce wait times, lessened roadway congestion with the new ATM and include increased seating and power outlets at the gates. The new departure halls will be spacious, and modern signage will make it easier for travelers to comfortably navigate the airport.

Some of the benefits and features of the redesigned terminal experience include:

• Fully upgraded and modernized Terminal 4.
• Unified 300,000-plus square-foot, 28-gate complex for Terminals 4 and 5.
• A spacious new departure hall that allows direct natural sunlight throughout the building to reduce energy consumption.
• Reconfigured ticket counter and check-in areas to reduce wait times before security screening.
• Seamless access from check-in area directly to security screening areas.
• 16 lanes for security screening with automated technology.
• Transparent design with modern signage to intuitively guide passengers to their gates.
• Modern, state-of-the-art finishes and restroom facilities.
• Upgraded amenities at gate areas, including more access to power outlets and world-class dining and retail options.