As construction of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) nears completion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the facility is another major step closer to opening with the transition to officially becoming part of the LAX airfield.
With the move of airfield fencing and a sweep by police and K-9 officers over the weekend, the $1.6-billion extension to the Tom Bradley International Terminal was changed from a landside project, which has been its status since ground was broken in late 2016, to an airside project, which subjects it to a higher level of security for the remainder of the construction period. The ability to construct the concourse as a landside project was a rare opportunity for an active airport.
“The transition from landside to airside for our Midfield Satellite Concourse is another major milestone in building one of the most technologically advanced concourses in the world,” said Justin Erbacci, interim chief executive officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). “Thank you to the thousands of workers, many from our local communities, who have put in more than 1.4 million hours to get us to this point and who will help us finish construction in the coming months and prepare for opening day.”
The new 750,000-square-foot concourse, which features up to 15 gates, is connected to the Tom Bradley International Terminal through two tunnels, one for passengers and one for utilities and other systems. Guests will be able to access the concourse through either a 1,000-foot tunnel from Tom Bradley that will include moving sidewalks or by airfield bus from other terminals at LAX.
Among the finishing touches being worked on inside the building are the installation of terrazzo floors, carpet and ceiling panels, monitor screens and glass partitions. Similar work is going on in an addition to the Tom Bradley terminal that will house the elevators and escalators needed to reach the tunnel to the MSC.
Still to be announced are the names of the airlines that will fly from the new facility, which will handle both international and domestic flights. LAX will also soon announce the 25 brands that will be part of a robust concessions program that includes 44,000 square feet of shopping and dining options.
An Airport Operational Readiness group has been working with employees to prepare them to work in the new building.
Before the concourse opens, LAX will bring in hundreds of volunteers later this summer to test the level of service and functionality of every aspect of this facility. From restrooms and wayfinding, to baggage systems and passenger boarding bridges, the new concourse will be put through realistic operational trials. Earlier this month LAX put out a call for volunteers and received an overwhelming response. LAX thanks everyone who signed up, and volunteers will be contacted later this spring.
