Airport operator Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and retail developer Westfield have officially opened the newly redeveloped retail and dining area in Terminal 6 (T6) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California.
The modernization program transformed more than 22,000ft² of the terminal and introduced a total of 21 new retail and dining concepts. The redevelopment’s design has been inspired by LA’s iconic Sunset Boulevard and includes nearly 5,300ft² of improvements to common areas, including a new terrazzo floor and ribbon ceiling, three sets of bathrooms, new electrical and IT infrastructure as well as tenant office spaces. LAWA, Westfield and various operating partners have invested approximately US$70.5m in the project.
Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA, said, “We’re raising the bar for what’s possible at an airport. LAWA and Westfield are providing passengers a special experience that allows them to sample the best of LA food and drink, unique shops and modern amenities. Now they can find all that and more in T6.”
Keith Kaplan, Westfield’s vice president at LAX, said, “LAWA had the bold vision to completely transform the traveler experience at the airport. We’re so honored to help make that happen, right here in our hometown, and we’re infusing the culture and spirit of LA into LAX.”
The new terminal experience is organized by interconnected neighborhoods that guide travelers on their journey. After passing through the Transport Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, travelers initially encounter a downtown LA neighborhood, which feels like an urban street with its concrete walls and metal finishes.
Travelers are then guided into Sunset Plaza, which has inviting, open spaces to eat, drink and people watch. Passengers then flow into the Sunset Strip and Garden Terrace zones, where high-end retail and local dining capture the energy of West Hollywood. The traveler journey concludes at the departures gates, which have been transformed into beach areas with further dining and retail concepts.
Amy Dunne, vice president of business development at HMSHost, which operates seven dining concepts in T6, said, “HMSHost is so excited to be part of the enhancements in LAX T6 by bringing new restaurants to travelers. These locations provide variety to travelers while delivering unique culinary offerings and superior customer service. We look forward to continuing to elevate the traveler’s dining experience here at the airport.”
Michael Svagdis, CEO of SSP America, which also operates a number of outlets in the terminal, said, “Osteria is one of the latest examples of SSP America’s ability to bring cool restaurants to the airport. We’ll serve almost 50,000 pizzas this year alone in a restaurant that truly is a stunning addition to T6. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this incredible restaurant to LAX.”
