LOS ANGELES – Delta Air Lines is moving forward with the first steps toward a $1.9 billion plan to modernize, upgrade and connect —Terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) over the next seven years. The future project, which will also provide a secure connector to the north side of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), enables Delta to build a premier space for its LAX operations alongside its airline partners.

“LAX is America’s gateway to the world, and it’s helping to power an economic resurgence across our city,” said Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti. “This agreement represents a monumental step forward as we invest billions to make LAX the world-class airport that Angelenos and our visitors expect and deserve.”

The relocation will expand Delta’s gates at LAX commensurate with the airline’s growth there. Since 2009, Delta has more than doubled its number of seats and grown from 70 daily departures to more than 175.

“This is a significant milestone for Delta in Los Angeles, and it illustrates a strong, successful public-private partnership,” said Delta CEO, Ed Bastian. “Delta is working hard to become the preferred airline for Angelenos, and this project reinforces our commitment to our LAX hub and to an ever-higher level of service for our customers.”

By relocating from Terminals 5 and 6 to the complex at Terminals 2 and 3, Delta will operate alongside many of its airline partners, including Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia. Later, a secure connection to TBIT will enable seamless access to additional partners, including Air France-KLM, Alitalia, China Eastern, and China Southern.

Once remodeled, the new space will provide all the amenities that Delta’s customers have come to expect at LAX, including a private Delta One check-in lounge, new Delta Sky Clubs, fast check-in for Delta Shuttle services, and an integrated in-line baggage system. The facility will offer convenient passenger flows, sufficient gate-area seating, and a world-class concession program in partnership with Westfield Corporation.

“Ultimately, Delta’s new home base at LAX will provide everything our customers currently benefit from at Terminal 5, along with enhancements that will enable best-in-class check-in, faster connection times for seamless connectivity, and an industry-leading customer experience,” said Ranjan Goswami, Delta Vice President Sales.

The project also supports LAWA’s broader efforts to enable a more balanced and efficient airport for customers and airlines; provide a smooth connection to LAWA’s planned Landside Access Modernization Project, once completed; and upgrade and modernize LAX before the city’s bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

“The ongoing $8.5-billion LAX Modernization Program has resulted in a new Tom Bradley International Terminal, airfield and roadway improvements, as well as over $2 billion invested by airlines to renovate Terminals 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8,” said LAWA Board President Sean Burton. “Partnering with Delta Air Lines will allow both parties to further our shared goal to significantly improve the guest experience at LAX.”

For more information, visit www.delta.com.