Los Angeles Airport to get cargo upgrade

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which runs Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has selected a development team led by LAX Community Partners (LACP) and an environmental technical and expert consultant team led by Ricondo & Associates to handle the cargo modernisation programme at LAX.

“In addition to being the busiest passenger origination and destination airport, LAX also is a key transportation centre for global cargo and a critical hub for domestic and international commerce,” says Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “This project will provide more technically advanced and efficient cargo facilities and capabilities that will allow LAX to better power the economic vitality for Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region.”

LAX was ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world and fifth in the U.S. for air cargo tonnage , processing more than 2.7 million tonnes of cargo last year. "Currently, LAX has three cargo areas with 27 buildings, totaling approximately 2.6 million square feet, and roughly 3.5 million square feet of aircraft ramp area. Ranging from 20 to 80 years old, many of these facilities are at the end of their useful life, in addition to not being compatible with current industry standards."

Terri Mestas, Chief Development Officer, LAWA says: “LAX’s transformation is being thoughtfully advanced, providing best-in-class offerings to the travelling public and businesses that rely on our infrastructure every day. Our cargo facilities are no exception. Through our cargo modernisation programme, we will provide our partners with facilities that move cargo efficiently while having positive impacts on the surrounding community, L.A.’s economy and LAX's broader sustainability goals.”