Nine years into a multibillion-dollar capital improvement project, Los Angeles International Airport is well-positioned to remain a long-term contender among top airports worldwide.

The improvement plan, expected to wrap up at the end of this decade, comprises more than 20 individual projects, including the New Tom Bradley International Terminal, major airfield upgrades and facility renovation. Central to the capital improvement plan, the $1.9 billion New TBIT increases capacity with 18 new gates, including nine designed to accommodate superjumbo jets, while enhancing the passenger experience with a new Great Hall for dining and shopping.

An investment of $270 million is earmarked to replace or refurbish 212 outdated elevators, escalators and moving walkways. Replacement of all units should wrap up in 2016. Also easing passenger transit, the $115 million Terminal 4 connector project includes the design and construction of a multi-use, multilevel facility providing a secure connection between T4 and TBIT. An additional $613 million will finance the improvement of the airport’s in-line baggage handling and screening systems.

Delta Air Lines’ check-in desk © Delta Air Lines

Completed in June, the $229 million renovation and modernization of Terminal 5 includes Delta Air Lines’ first private check-in lounge. Dubbed Delta ONE at LAX, the project was completed in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports and the City of Los Angeles.

Delta ONE passengers enter the terminal through a dedicated curbside entrance leading to a private check-in lounge with personalized luggage check and a refreshment bar. Customers also access a dedicated security checkpoint directly from the Delta ONE at LAX lounge. A newly renovated 100-seat Sky Club features new shower suites and renovated bathrooms, an updated food area with café seating, and new furnishings and fixtures.

Other T5 enhancements include new jet bridges, a renovated Sky Priority lobby, an expanded ticketing lobby, four additional security checkpoints, new baggage carousels and international baggage recheck facilities.

A dedicated website, LAX Is Happening, offers up-to-date information about the ongoing capital improvement project, traffic and airport access.