Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa was joined by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) executives last week to unveil the north concourse and three gates of the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (New TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  The gates are the first of 18 to be built at New TBIT.

Nine of the 18 gates can accommodate the larger, new-generation aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and Airbus A-380 super jumbo jets.  All 18 gates will use state-of-the-art, laser-based, visual guidance docking systems.  Computerised passenger boarding bridges automate the operations between the terminal and aircraft doors.  LAWA is installing three passenger boarding bridges at all of the new A-380-compatible gates, which will greatly improve the amount of time to load and unload an aircraft.

“The overall goal of the LAX Modernisation Program is to dramatically improve the passenger experience with a building designed to capture the spirit of Los Angeles, while establishing new levels of passenger convenience and comfort,” said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates LAX and two other Southern California airports.

In the same week British Airways’ announced that its first Airbus A380 will fly on the ‘Red Carpet Route’ to Los Angeles from London, and tickets are now on sale for flights from 15 October 2013. The double-decker superjumbo is due to be delivered to BA in July and will be the largest aircraft in the BA fleet, accommodating 469 customers across four cabins.

Francine Sheridan, Director, Europe and Middle East, Los Angeles Tourism commented “We are thrilled that British Airways has chosen Los Angeles as the first destination to fly the A380. The new international terminal at LAX will be opening in the summer, so the A380 will bringing passengers into the brand new facility, which is well equipped with 18 gates capable for new-generation aircraft.  The addition of the A380 will increase capacity to LA, keeping the spotlight firmly on the home of Hollywood and also southern California.”