Airport News

According to LAWA, the experience at Los Angeles International Airport’s totally refubished Terminal 5 now reflects the style of the city and its travellers.

The new-look Delta terminal now including the airline’s first private check-in lounge, Delta ONE at LAX.

The $229-million Delta project was completed in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the City of Los Angeles.

“We’re fast on our way to becoming the airline of choice in Los Angeles by understanding what moves LA – its most prominent industries, its most desired destinations, and its discerning customers’ required amenities for travel," enthuses Delta president, Ed Bastian.

“Our investments in T5 now offer Angelenos a more premium airport experience, from check-in to take-off.”

ince 2009, Delta has been the fastest-growing carrier at LAX and today offers flights to the most important cities for Los Angeles' entertainment, technology, health care, and automotive industries.

The facility enhancements at Terminal 5 are part of the airline’s investment at LAX as Delta continues to grow its network in this global gateway.

“These upgrades to Terminal 5 are transforming visitors’ first and last impressions of Los Angeles,” admits Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti.

“This investment by Delta is the latest in our now more than $8 billion overhaul of LAX. Whether by upgrading nearly all of our terminals, bringing in ridesharing services to pick up passengers, or connecting the nation's second-busiest airport to rail, we're making LAX a world-class airport befitting a city that is the global capital of creativity, innovation and possibility.

"I am thrilled that Delta is growing its presence here in Los Angeles."

LAWA believes that Delta ONE at LAX provides the most innovative premium check-in experience at LAX of any carrier and is consistent with Delta’s other premium offerings on-board and at the airport.

Customers flying in Delta One enter the terminal through a dedicated curbside entrance, leading to a private, modern check-in lounge with personalized luggage check, high-design atmosphere, and a refreshment bar.

Customers also access a dedicated security checkpoint directly from the Delta ONE at LAX lounge.

Additionally, a renovated Sky Club offers more space and an improved customer experience, including 100 additional seats; new shower suites and renovated bathrooms; an updated food area with café seating; and new furnishings and fixtures.

New restaurants and shops in Terminal 5 feature celebrity chefs and retail brand names that reflect the cuisine, culture and lifestyle of Los Angeles.

Other Terminal 5 enhancements include new jet bridges; a renovated Sky Priority lobby; an expanded ticketing lobby and four additional security screening checkpoints; and new baggage carousels and international baggage recheck facilities.

In co-ordination with these completed enhancements, Delta is launching a new integrated marketing campaign customised to Los Angeles – dubbed 'LAX to LUX' – to show Los Angeles travellers how Delta’s "investments, touches of luxury and attention to detail" are setting a new standard for customers traveling in and out of LAX.

The centrepiece of the campaign is LAXtoLUX.com, a digital hub where customers can learn more about Delta’s premium offerings in LAX from curb to claim.

“LAWA and our airline partners are committed to continuing our initiatives to transform and modernise LAX into a facility befitting the hundreds of thousands of people who fly in and out of our region each day,” says outgoing LAWA executive director, Gina Marie Lindsey.

“We applaud Delta's partnership with LAWA, their investment in Terminal 5 at LAX, and their commitment to developing an experience that truly caters to the modern traveller.”

On June 4 the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) unanimously approved the nomination of Oakland International Airport director, Deborah Ale Flint, as the next executive director of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

BOAC president Sean Burton said: “Deborah Ale Flint is the absolute right person to build on what has been accomplished by LAWA and to lead this organisation to the next level of world-class airports with sustained excellence.” 

"She is a rising star in the airport sector and has direct and relevant experience that will serve her well at LAWA.”

As the Port of Oakland’s aviation director since 2010, Ale Flint is the primary executive responsible for the operation, management and business development of Oakland International Airport (OAK). 

She delivered the $480-milliion BART Airport Rail project after years of effort and challenges; executed strategies to stabiliae and reverse passenger traffic decline in a difficult market environment; redesigned OAK’s customer experience to make the airport more competitive; and marketed, developed and negotiated numerous development and investment transactions in terminal renovation and hangar development.

Ale Flint’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council. 

If confirmed by the City Council, Ale Flint will succeed Gina Marie Lindsey, who will retire July 1 after a 39-year career, 33 working in the aviation industry, eight years at LAWA.