LAX Breaks Ground on Innovative Midfield Satellite Concourse
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) broke ground on the next phase of its multi-billion dollar improvement program for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that will add approximately 150,000 square feet and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft. The Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South, which will be an extension of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, will be built offsite and carefully delivered and assembled in place — a first-of-its-kind construction innovation that will enable an accelerated project timeline.
The MSC South project, which is expected to be completed by 2024, follows the successful opening of the MSC North project in 2021, which added 12 gates and 750,000 square feet of space to the airport’s international terminal. The MSC South project will provide similar state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for passengers and airlines, such as spacious seating areas, natural lighting, art installations, dining and retail options, and environmental features.
The MSC South project will also enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and capacity by reducing the reliance on remote gates and buses, and increasing the flexibility in scheduling terminal improvements. The project will also improve the passenger experience by providing more connectivity, convenience, and accessibility for travelers in eastern Canada.
The MSC South project is part of LAWA’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), a long-term vision for the airport’s development that includes more than 30 near-term projects that will be completed or under construction by 2032. The SAMP aims to transform LAX into a world-class airport that meets the needs of the 21st century traveler, while also reducing its environmental impact and supporting the local economy.
The MSC South project is also an example of LAWA’s innovative approach to construction and delivery, as it will use modular building techniques to prefabricate most of the concourse offsite and transport it to the airport in sections. This method will reduce construction time, costs, risks, and disruptions, as well as improve quality and safety. The MSC South project will be the first airport concourse in the US to be built using this technique.
“We are proud to break ground on the MSC South project, which will bring us one step closer to our goal of creating a world-class airport for Los Angeles,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO of LAWA. “This project will not only provide more modern and comfortable facilities for our passengers and airlines, but also showcase our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence.”
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, lawa.org, dbia.org