A key milestone in Westfield’s transformation of five terminals at Los Angeles International Airport was unveiled with the grand opening of the new Terminal 2, which joins Tom Bradley International Terminal as a world-class hub for global travelers.
Westfield – which designs, funds, builds and manages the world’s best retail destinations and customer experiences in landmark cities and airports around the globe – invested $78.3 million into the terminal and transformed nearly 76,000 square feet, including more than 15,000 square feet of new dining and retail. The upgrade brings together a vibrant design, local restaurants and signature retail, creating a more holistic customer journey.
Los Angeles and LAX had a record-breaking year in 2015. The city had 45.5 million visitors, and LAX – undergoing an $8.5 billion modernization program – saw 74.9 million passengers.
“Los Angeles World Airports had a strong vision,” said Keith Kaplan, Westfield’s Vice President at LAX. “They wanted more than a concessions refresh – they wanted to truly transform the entire customer journey at Terminal 2 from the moment you clear security. Thanks to our long-term partnership and collaboration with all the stakeholders, everybody wins – the city of Los Angeles, the airport, the airlines and the customers.”
The new Terminal 2 projects $41 million in annual sales – a 34 percent increase. The number of permanent employees in the terminal is projected to increase by 76 percent.
Westfield designed and managed common area improvements, from the floor to the ceiling, and relocated and redesigned an uninspiring, inefficient staircase to become the exciting focal point of the terminal and activated new revenue-generating space.
The 20-month redevelopment at Terminal 2 was the terminal’s first upgrade in nearly 30 years. Westfield’s construction team managed hundreds of projects to keep the 24-hour terminal open, maintaining customer service and flight operations during the process. The terrazzo floor, for example, took 10 months and 15 phases to complete all on its own.
“Fresh facilities with more seating, new services, and expanded dining and shopping experiences for today’s travelers are part of our $320 million investment in Terminal 2,” said Los Angeles World Airports Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “We applaud Westfield’s partnership with LAWA, their investment in Terminal 2 at LAX, and their commitment to developing an experience that truly caters to the modern traveler.”
The terminal design was inspired by “L.A. in Motion,” which captures the energy and on-the-go attitude of Los Angeles. Three distinct shopping and dining districts are highlighted by a grand staircase that offers customers a luxurious but efficient travel experience.
The new customer journey begins in the Commercial Hub, a retail and duty-free shopping district. Customers then flow into the Dining Terrace, which has been infused with local flavor and a design that offers a bright, inviting experience. From there, customers enter The Strand, a dining and shopping district that features the grand staircase and a luxurious bar with shimmering chandeliers.Westfield curated a dining collection that represents Los Angeles, including a high-end bar that sells wine from countries serviced by Terminal 2.
