(Los Angeles, CA) Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti this morning celebrated the opening of the new extension of Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a $477.5 million facility that added increased capacity with new passenger check-in lobby, security screening, baggage claims and future connection to the Automated People Mover (APM) train system.

Mayor Garcetti was joined by Councilmember Joe Buscaino (District 15), Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive Officer Justin Erbacci, Southwest Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly and other stakeholders today to celebrate the official opening.

"LAX is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation that will help redefine 21st century travel, restart our economy, and reshape how Los Angeles greets the world," said Mayor Garcetti. "When it comes to investments and innovation, our airport is in a league of its own — and with the introduction of Terminal 1.5, LAX is completing another leg in its journey toward a stronger future."

The addition to Terminal 1, which was described as Terminal 1.5 during construction, includes the first of seven Terminal Vertical Cores to open at LAX. In the Terminal 1 core, elevators and escalators will provide passengers access to a pedestrian bridge that will connect to the future APM train system's Center Central Terminal Area (CTA) station.

The building also includes two new baggage carousels on the Lower/Arrivals Level, additional ticket counters on the Upper/Departures Level and a six-lane Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint on the Concourse Level.

In 2017, Southwest Airlines signed a ground lease with LAWA for land located between Terminals 1 and 2, and oversaw the construction of the terminal extension. LAWA will eventually acquire the improvements from Southwest, with funds coming from LAX's operating revenues and airport revenue bond proceeds. No money will be used from the city's General Fund or taxpayers.

Hensel Phelps served as the general contractor on the Terminal 1.5 project, while PGAL was the architect. Construction began in 2018, with a total of 2,955 workers, including 31.5 percent local workers, involved in the project. Of 1,008,300 hours worked, 30.2 percent were by local workers.

"Terminal 1.5 is proof that thoughtful planning and strong engagement with the Westside communities I represent are leading LAX into a future as a world-class airport and a first-class neighbor," said Councilmember Mike Bonin (District 11).

"The expanded Terminal 1 will not only improve the passenger experience at LAX by providing a seamless connection to Terminal 2, the Automated People Mover and the regional rail system, but will also create a priceless first impression for thousands of annual visitors who will travel through a bright, modern and futuristic facility with stunning architecture, public art and sculpture," said Councilmember Joe Buscaino. "This project, along with the entire LAX modernization program, will ensure Los Angeles is ready to welcome passengers from across the globe to major events on the horizon, like the Super Bowl, the World Cup and the Olympics."

The 283,000-square-foot extension of Terminal 1 will connect to Terminal 2 behind security when the terminal connector is completed this fall, allowing passengers to move between the two buildings without having to be re-screened and providing another access point for greater flexibility.

"The new portion of Terminal 1 works together with the recent renovations to create a cohesive experience for passengers, and also meets LAWA's responsibility to be a sustainability leader in the aviation industry," said Sean Burton, President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "With environmentally conscious features that helped earn LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, this facility showcases LAWA's vision of boldly moving to zero."

"The opening of this Terminal 1 extension is another major step toward a fully transformed and fully connected LAX," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. "It provides a further glimpse of our incredible future – one that will offer world-class facilities, setting the stage for a reimagined LAX."

Southwest Airlines, which has 13 gates in Terminal 1, gained a third baggage carousel and three additional ticket counters in the new portion of the building, as well as space on the fourth floor for offices. The airline's crew base is also housed in the new facility. Southwest passengers can use the new extension to go through security screening before heading to their gate.

"As the largest airline in California carrying more travelers to, from, and within the state going on two decades, this world-class facility opens the door for continued growth and access to our growing network — especially to Hawaii," said Gary Kelly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines. "I applaud the city of Los Angeles for their vision to invest in critical infrastructure and being good partners to bring this world-class facility to life."

Limited operations began at the extension to Terminal 1 on May 1, and Viva Aerobus, which relocated from Terminal 6, was the first airline to use the new addition for passenger check-in and processing. Sun Country, Allegiant and Frontier, which relocated from Terminal 5, are also now operating out of the extension.

Guests flying these four airlines check in at Terminal 1 before taking a short ride via a dedicated airfield shuttle to the West Gates at Tom Bradley. Guests arriving on Viva Aerobus flights pick up their luggage and go through customs in the Federal Inspection Station at Tom Bradley International Terminal, while passengers arriving on Sun Country, Allegiant and Frontier take the shuttle to Terminal 1, where luggage is returned on Carousel 4.

The new portion of the ticketing lobby includes self-service check-in kiosks with biometric and touch-free capabilities from Materna IPS (Intelligent Passenger Solutions). Frontier customers are already using the kiosks, and LAWA is working with other airlines to expand their use in the future.

The building also includes additional restrooms on all three levels and an indoor service-animal relief area on the Lower/Arrivals Level near the Baggage Claim area.

As LAWA continues to implement its Sustainability Action Plan and the goal to boldly move to zero emissions, this extension to Terminal 1 was built with sustainability in mind and is certified as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Among the green building features of the facility:

• The building will use a new recycled water system that is being installed around the airport campus, which will work in concert with low-flow faucets and flush valves that will result in a dramatic reduction in the amount of potable water used by the building.

In partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Terminal 1 extension includes permanent public art commissions and temporary art exhibitions and installations.

Two murals, "Opening," by Tofer Chin and "Technicolor Pandemonium" by Renée Fox are on display in the Terminal Vertical Core. In addition, located on the pre-security Concourse Level is "Craft in America: L.A. Made & L.A. Scenes," curated by Craft in America and including work by artists Roberto Benavidez, Lorraine Bubar, Katherine Gray, James Herman, Karen Koblitz, Mary Little, Ben Medansky and Jennifer Reifsneider.

"Floating Lady V" is an abstract, illusionary sculpture by Tony DeLap that is on display in the bus portal past the security checkpoint. "LA Rhapsody – Super Moon / Opus No.1" is a large-scale photographic installation by Karchi Perlmann, also located post-security.

On public view in the Baggage Claim area is "overlay/ layover," Susan Logoreci's collection of drawings of urbanscapes combine geometric and abstract patterns with aerial views of dense neighborhoods and cityscapes of Los Angeles.

• Click here for a digital media kit, including photos, videos and fact sheets