Flight operations in the South Concourse of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) began yesterday, marking the completion of Phase I of the overall $1.9bn New TBIT Project.

 

However, the extensive new retail facilities in the 14,000sq m (150,000sq ft) Antonio Villaraigosa Pavilion (the Great Hall, pictured right) will not all be ready for the first passengers.

 

Operator, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), says: “The new dining and retail collection will phase-in as concessions transition from pre-security to post-security. The existing concessions will remain open as new shops are opened progressively in the coming days and weeks.”

 

Terminal concessions manager Westfield and its partners are investing $79.8m in the new retail facilities. “We are pleased to welcome the first travellers into the Villaraigosa Pavilion,” says Peter S Lowy, Co-chief Executive Officer of the Westfield Group. “With flight operations now underway, we look forward to introducing passengers to the best local and global brands as we begin the transition to transform LAX into a global gateway beyond travellers’ wildest dreams.”

 

Westfield’s retail collection is joined by a $25m investment in the duty free facilities by DFS Group. “The opening of the New TBIT marks an important milestone in the elevation of LAX to its rightful status as a world-class airport,” says Polly Nelson, Managing Director of DFS North America. “Through its presence in the new complex, DFS is pleased to play its part in this transition and is committed to providing a duty-free experience that will place LAX among the world’s favourite airports for international travellers.”

 

From a duty free and travel retail perspective, the Antonio Villaraigosa Pavilion will be the centrepiece of the terminal with more than 60 dining and luxury retail and duty-free shops – including 22 local LA brands such as Kitson and Fred Segal.

 

The New TBIT, designed by Fentress Architects, is considered the jewel in the crown of the larger $4.1bn LAX Capital Improvements Program-Phase 1, the largest public works project in the history of the City of Los Angeles.

 

 

FLIGHTS TRANSITIONING