2018 Year in Review

01/09/2019 11:38 AM

A MESSAGE FROM DEBORAH FLINT
CEO, Los Angeles World Airports


This was a championship year for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). We achieved new heights in service and innovation as we progressed toward our vision of Gold Standard Airports – Delivered for Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys general aviation (VNY) airports.

 

With the support of Mayor Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council and the Board of Airport Commissioners, we executed two of the largest contracts in the history of the City of Los Angeles, for the Automated People Mover (APM) and the Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility. Both projects are part of our Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), which will fundamentally change how people access and move through LAX, the fifth busiest airport in the world. All the while, we continued to elevate our Gold Standard guest services, earning "Best Overall Customer Service Program" from Airports Council International – North America.

We are creating an incredible future at VNY, where we have advanced sustainability and innovation. VNY is one of the few general aviation airports in the country to earn Airport Carbon Accreditation, a testament to the work being done to reduce environmental impact, which includes the installation of more solar panels than any general aviation airport in California, as well as a commitment by our fixed based operators to use sustainable alternative jet fuel.

At LAX, new concessions and amenities have opened, revealing dramatic transformations of space; and the installation of thousands of bollards on our curbsides and new technologies throughout our airport have made our airports safer. Through our engagement with council offices and neighborhood stakeholders, local businesses and workers are playing a major role in building the airport of the future – and all are deeply appreciated.

Below you will find our “2018 By the Numbers” graphic, which shows a snapshot of the incredible actions that took place at LAWA throughout the year, followed by some of our 2018 highlights.

We know that 2019 will bring exciting firsts, as major construction begins across the airport and beyond. There will be challenges and changes – which is why we are committed to communicating extensively and finding creative ways to share our messages. We will drive innovation and find new ways of operating, so we can continue to improve the guest and community experience, all while constructing world-class facilities. We will release Requests for Proposals for the Century Cargo Corridor project and the Northside Area Development project, and further the taxiways investment at VNY. We will install new smart parking technology, introduce new pilot projects for biometrics and boarding, and further our commitment to operating in a socially responsive, environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible manner.

We are proud of how our work is industry-leading in all areas and especially our core values of safety and security. At the beginning and end of it all, it is about the people. We have incredible, dedicated people at LAWA and we are grateful for our partners here at our airports, in our local communities and across the nation. Thank you to all who have brought us this far, and I look forward to where we will go together in 2019.

2018 BY THE NUMBERS
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
CREATING AN EXCEPTIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCE

MODERNIZATION OF EVERY TERMINAL

Every terminal at LAX is being modernized, including a $1.86-billion project at Terminals 2 and 3, and a $1.6 billion renovation of Terminals 4 and 5. The new Terminal 1 recently opened with new food and retail options, and an improved guest experience. The renovations of Terminals 7 and 8 will soon be complete, with the January opening of a new lounge. VIDEO

NEW CONCESSIONS AND RETAIL

Guests enjoyed new shopping and dining choices across all nine terminals at LAX. The opening of the new Terminal 1 saw 22 new dining and retail destinations, 12 local brands, and 14 LAX firsts. READ MORE

LAX DEBUTS FIRST AIRPORT AUGMENTED REALITY WALL

LAX debuted its first use of augmented reality (AR) technology at the Tom Bradley International Terminal to showcase renderings of the forthcoming Midfield Satellite Concourse. AR allows visible reality, such as that seen through a smartphone camera, to be augmented by objects or interactive imagery rendered within the guests' view. READ MORE


MORE VOLUNTEERS – BOTH PEOPLE AND PUPS

LAWA's community volunteers helped contribute more than 40,000 hours of service at LAX and guest-related events. These volunteers include 204 Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs) and 106 Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) dogs and their human volunteers. The PUPs program, which is the largest airport therapy dog program in the nation, celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. The LAXceeders program was launched in partnership with Westchester Enriched Students Magnet High School, bringing four motivated student volunteers to the airport in its inaugural class, and growing to 17 from a number of communities and high schools by year's end. READ MORE

ARTS AT LAX

In 2018, the LAX Art Program presented a full slate of art exhibitions and music performances throughout the terminals to enhance and humanize the overall travel experience for millions of guests. In partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the LAX Art Program installed eight new exhibitions featuring 29 local and regional artists in Terminals 1, 6, 7, 8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Exhibitions ranged from site-specific sculptural and video installations, to paintings, photography, digital, and mixed-media artworks. The Art Program’s performing arts program, LAX Presents, hosted 18 cultural and musical performances over the span of nine months in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and Tom Bradley, in partnership with local music presenter Grand Performances. These events consisted of classical music, world dance, live DJ sets, and even a marionette show. In 2019, LAX Presents will host 36 performances and two special event sing-alongs. READ MORE

 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP FOR HOSPITALITY TRAINING

This past year, LAWA launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Cornell University’s online learning unit, eCornell, to provide key front-line staff at LAX with the training and tools necessary to create exceptional guest experiences. Cornell University’s Hotel School is a world leader in hospitality management, making the partnership with LAX a natural fit as the airport aims to adopt a hospitality mindset throughout the LAX journey. LAX is the first airport to partner with Cornell University for this training. READ MORE

ASK LAX KIOSKS HELP GUESTS FIND THEIR WAY

LAX debuted a fun and innovative way to stay informed with the launch of self-assistance kiosks in Terminal 2 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The AskLAX kiosks provide a wealth of information including terminal maps; concession and retail information; emergency information; transportation options; and traffic conditions. Guests can even take emailable selfies at the kiosks, which are shaped like a giant smartphone. READ MORE

MOBILE-FRIENDLY WEBSITES LAUNCH FOR LAX, VNY AND LAWA

LAWA launched three new mobile-friendly websites for LAX and VNY airports, as well as LAWA itself. The new clean and easy-to-navigate sites allow for enhanced content and improved search functionality. Visit FlyLAX.com, iFlyVNY.com, and LAWA.org to see these improvements. READ MORE

CONNECTING THE WORLD
PASSENGER GROWTH CONTINUES AT STEADY PACE

More than 87 million total passengers are estimated to have used LAX in 2018, with 70 percent of our guests flying domestically, while 30 percent traveled internationally. 2018 passenger estimates represent a 3.6 percent increase from 2017 levels. 


LAX LAUNCHES FIRST NONSTOP FLIGHT TO AFRICA, REACHES SIX CONTINENTS

Ethiopian Airlines launched historic nonstop services to Africa's Lomé-Tokoin Airport (LFW) in Togo, which continues as a 1-stop flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, distinguishing LAX as the only U.S. west coast gateway airport with nonstop service to Africa. With the launch of the Togo - Addis Ababa flight, LAX is one of only five airports in the world to offer nonstop service to six continents for its passengers. READ MORE |  VIDEO

LAX REGAINS NONSTOP SERVICE TO SINGAPORE

Singapore Airlines nonstop service is back at LAX. After a five-year absence, Singapore Airlines restarted its nonstop service to Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), using a special adaptation of the next generation Airbus 350 aircraft. With this flight back on the boards, LAX is one of only three U.S. airports offering nonstop service to Singapore for its passengers.  READ MORE


LAX SECURES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO BUENOS AIRES

LAX secured its fifth South American market with the addition of American Airlines' nonstop service to Buenos Aires, Argentina's Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE). LAX is the only North American west coast airport providing nonstop service to South America.  READ MORE


LAX CONTINUES TO SOLIDIFY ITS POSITION AS THE NORTH AMERICAN GATEWAY TO CHINA

 

With the launch of China Southern Airlines nonstop flight to Shenyang and another by Hainan Airlines to Xian, LAX has nonstop service to 14 markets in China. The new service to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) and Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) further enhances LAX as the leading U.S. gateway airport to China with more weekly destinations and frequency than any other U.S. airport.  READ MORE (SHE) | READ MORE (XIY)


ADDITIONAL SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

LAX secured its first ultra-low cost carrier service to Central America when Volaris Costa Rica launched its first U.S. flight this past spring. Volaris Costa Rica operates nonstop to San Salvador, El Salvador and Guatamala City, Guatmala from LAX. LOT POLISH, which launched nonstop flying to Warsaw, Poland in April 2017 increased its service levels to daily in 2018. In addition, LAX saw three large European markets receive service by new carriers, increasing flight options to passengers. Amsterdam and Paris are receiving enhanced flights by Delta, complementing the existing service from its alliance/joint-venture airline partner KLM-Air France. Norwegian launched nonstop operations to Madrid, increasing service levels and choices to the market.

ENHANCING SAFETY AND SECURITY
NEW AIRPORT POLICE STATION

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved the first phase of a two-phase design-build contract for a new, state-of-the-art Los Angeles Airport Police Station. The new station will consolidate 10 locations into one facility located on the north side of the airport in Westchester. It also will include a community room for neighborhood use. READ MORE

BIOMETRIC BOARDING AND SCREENING

LAWA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and British Airways piloted the use of biometric boarding, using facial recognition equipment at the gate, instead of boarding passes or passports. Other airlines are also using the technology at three gates in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. READ MORE

INSTALLATION OF SECURITY BOLLARDS

More than 2,000 security bollards were installed to protect pedestrians from vehicles in a year-long project that was completed near the end of 2018. The bollards were installed on sidewalks in front of the terminals as well as on the pedestrian islands where guests board buses on the Lower/Arrivals Level. READ MORE

MOST AUTOMATED SCREENING LANES IN THE U.S.

At Tom Bradley International Terminal, 2018 began with the conversion of 14 conventional screening lanes into Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs). ASLs increase the number of passengers screened by as much as 30 percent over older screening lanes, making the screening process faster, more efficient, and less stressful for guests while enhancing security. LAX ended the year with 30 ASLs, more than any other airport in the U.S. READ MORE
CREATING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

APM, CONRAC AND ITF-WEST CONTRACTS APPROVED

Key contracts were approved for components of the LAX Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). The consortium LAX Integrated Network Solutions (LINXS) was selected to deliver the Automated People Mover (APM) on a 30-year design-build-finance-operate-maintenance (DBFOM) contract, with construction projected to commence in 2019. LA Gateway Partners was awarded a $2- billion, 28-year DBFOM contract to build a new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility. Swinerton Builders was approved to design and build the Intermodal Transportation Facility-West (ITF-West) for $209 million. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council and the Board of Airport Commissioners, these projects were all approved with unanimous votes and without protest.  READ MORE (APM) | READ MORE (ConRAC) | READ MORE (ITF-West)

MIDFIELD SATELLITE CONCOURSE TOPPING OUT

A "Topping Out" ceremony was held in November for the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC). The MSC will add 12-15 gates, which will be accessible from the Tom Bradley International Terminal or by bus, with an opening date in 2020. In addition to marking the completion of the structure's steel erection, the event took place at about the halfway mark between the MSC's groundbreaking and expected opening date. READ MORE

HIRELAX TRAINS LOCAL WORKERS FOR CONSTRUCTION JOBS

In 2018, LAWA continued its partnership with Los Angeles Southwest College and the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council for the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program. This workforce development program prepares local residents for skilled craft labor careers to support the multibillion-dollar capital improvement program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). To-date, 82 students have graduated, including 28 percent women and more than 50 percent who have had previous experience with the criminal justice system. More than two-thirds of the graduates have been placed in apprenticeships working on LAX construction projects. The first class of 2019 begins on January 22.  VIDEO

BOB HOPE USO OPENS NEW, EXPANDED FACILITY AT THE LAX THEME BUILDING


In 2018, the Bob Hope USO moved into a brand new, renovated location at the base of the LAX Theme Building. The new location doubles the USO's original space, allowing the organization to serve more members of the military and their families traveling through LAX. READ MORE

CONTROL TOWER UPGRADE AT VNY

The main tower at VNY, originally built in 1965, was retrofitted in a $4 million renovation project to operate more efficiently while being able to maintain the highest levels of safety for local air traffic, airport users, and operators. READ MORE

LEADING IN SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

LAUNCH OF BUSINESS, JOBS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DIVISION

2018 saw the launch of our new Business, Jobs and Social Responsibility (BJSR) Division. This division aims to maximize access to business and job opportunities; ensure that local, diverse communities benefit from LAWA’S investments; and set the global airport standard for public corporate social responsibility. Since its launch, the BJSR team has established innovative public private partnerships to stimulate job and business opportunities in underrepresented communities, cultivate skilled workers starting with K-12 youth, train small businesses, and promote policies to grow community wealth through family-supporting wages for local workers.  LEARN MORE

LAX AND VNY EARN AIRPORT CARBON ACCREDITATION

For the third year in a row, LAWA has been recognized as a leader in reducing carbon emissions. Both LAX and VNY were recognized as carbon-accredited at the Airports Council International-North America annual conference. LAX has a stated goal to reduce the airport's greenhouse gas emissions to below 45 percent of 1990 levels by 2025, 60 percent by 2035, and 80 percent by 2050. READ MORE

ELECTRIC BUSES

Twenty new 60-foot, battery-powered electric buses were approved to be part of LAWA's fleet for airfield guest transportation. The new buses will replace older, diesel-operated vehicles and will provide guests with quieter rides that produce no polluting emissions. READ MORE

SOLAR ENERGY AT VNY

VNY celebrated the operational launch of the first of seven solar rooftop and canopy installations, further underscoring LAWA's commitment to sustainable energy. This marks the first installment of solar power generation at a LAWA airport. Upon completion of all seven projects, the airport will become one of California's leading general aviation airports for solar energy production. When energized, all of the systems combined will produce approximately 44.6 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough to power about 8,000 homes each year. In addition, the projects will annually reduce more than 73.3 million pounds of CO2 emissions. READ MORE

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