Work begins on $1.86 billion Delta Sky Way project at LAX

Delta Air Lines has announced the beginning of demolition on Terminal 3 at the Los Angeles International Airport, marking the start of the first phase the $1.86-billion Delta Sky Way project.

On April 18, Delta employees joined representatives from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), contractor Hensel Phelps, and design firms Gensler and Arup for a celebratory event to mark the milestone in the project designed to modernize, upgrade and connect Terminals 2, 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B).

Delta is investing $1.86 billion to create the airport facility. Soft demolition is underway on the central headhouse, which is the facility that houses check-in, baggage claim, the security screening checkpoint and more.

The building will be demolished in July, while excavation of the facility will be underway this fall. The Delta Sky Way project kicked off in May 2018, following the LAWA Board of Airport Commissioners’ approval of the largest tenant improvement award in its history.

The funding approval was followed by a series of projects that enabled the larger demolition and construction to begin, such as the relocation of the Terminal 3 security screening checkpoint in fall 2018, setup of the temporary bus gates, and realignment of jet bridges.

Delta partnered with the Satterfield & Pontikes and STV joint venture for much of the enabling work.

When completed, the modern facility will offer more security screening capacity with automated security lanes, more gate-area seating, and a concession program in partnership with Westfield Corporation, in addition to all the amenities that Delta’s customers have come to expect at LAX, including Delta ONE at LAX check-in space, new Delta Sky Club, and an integrated in-line baggage system.

Several key components of the project will be complete by the end of 2021, including the centralized lobby between Terminals 2 and 3; the centralized security screening area; consolidated baggage claim area; the new 25,000-sq.-ft. Delta Sky Club with a Sky Deck overlooking Terminals 2 and 3; and the Terminal 3 concourse.

The remaining components, including the secure connector between Terminals 3 and B and the renovated Terminal 3 satellite, will be complete by the end of 2023.