Los Angeles World Airports Selects Development and Design Teams for LAX's Cargo Modernization Program

After a comprehensive review of proposals for the Cargo Modernization Program and Environmental Technical and Expert Consulting Services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) selected a development team led by LAX Community Partners, LLC (LACP), and an Environmental Technical and Expert Consultant team led by Ricondo & Associates, Inc. to deliver the work. The teams’ experience with cargo development at aviation hubs, as well as the experience and qualifications of key staff members, were among the top considerations when identifying LAWA’s project partners.

Image Courtesy Los Angeles World Airports

“In addition to being the busiest passenger origination and destination airport, LAX also is a key transportation center for global cargo and a critical hub for domestic and international commerce,” said 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 the City of Los Angeles and greater Southern California region.”

In 2022, LAX was ranked as the 6th busiest airport in the world and 5th in the U.S. for air cargo tonnage, processing more than 2.7 million tons 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.

“LAX’s transformation is being thoughtfully advanced, providing best-in-class offerings to the traveling public and businesses that rely on our infrastructure every day. Our cargo facilities are no exception,” said Terri Mestas, Chief Development Officer, LAWA. “Through our Cargo Modernization Program, 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.”

As LAWA continues to revitalize LAX as a whole, established inclusivity goals for Small Business Enterprises (SBE) of 22%, Local Business Enterprises (LBE) of 12%, Local Small Business Enterprises (LSBE) of 10% and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) of 3% of minimum participation on a project’s team are ensuring greater opportunities for diverse, local, and small business. For the Cargo Modernization Program, LACP has pledged to meet or exceed these goals. LACP’s approach also includes the implementation of a Mentor-Protégé Program and other initiatives.

“Our revolutionary development at LAX would be the first of its kind in cargo history and would become the leading example for all future air cargo facilities,” said David Rose, Managing Director of Airport Infrastructure, Realterm (Lead Developer for LACP). “Realterm prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, technology and community in all aspects of its projects. It is known for successfully blending international best practices with its superior local engagement.”

Interested parties can learn more about LAX’s campus-wide transformation and subscribe for project updates at bit.ly/LAX-Transformation.