The History of LAX

Originally known as Mines Field, the LAX site has been used as a general aviation field since 1928. During World War II, it was used for military flights.

Howard Hughes lead his companies war contribution efforts from aviation manufacturing plants in the area now known as Playa Vista. Although the Hughes private airstrip has been removed, several WW II era aircraft hangers remain. Mr. Hughes' (in)famous "Spruce Goose" was constructed at this site.

Commercial airline service started in December 1946. The present terminal complex was constructed in 1961. In preparation for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, LAX added domestic and international terminals and an upper-level roadway, among other needed improvements.

Vintage LAX postard.

LAX directly and indirectly creates, attracts and supports economic activity throughout Westchester and the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. LAX generates upwards of $60 billion in economic contributions annually. Aviation activity on or near the airport, by off-airport expenditures related to the use of aviation services, and by money that is again spent and circulated throughout the local economy are counted in this figure. The central LAX complex features nine passenger terminals connected by a U-shaped two-level roadway. Curbside baggage check-in is available on the upper departure level. Brand-named and ethnic-styled restaurants, cocktail lounges, gift shops, newsstands, duty free shops for international flights, restrooms, public telephones and business centers offer convenient services for the traveling public. Other amenities include special telephones connected to area hotels/motels, bus/limousine services and car rental firms serving most Los Angeles metro communities. Free shuttle service is provided between all terminals and remote parking lots.

The Encounter Restaurant is located in the historic Theme Building. The restaurant features a space-age interior design by Eddie Soto and company. The exterior of the Theme Building is dynamically lighted. The lights shift color slowly. However, every quarter hour the light show goes into a short burst of a rapid change sequence.

Air Traffic Control The new 277-foot control tower is uniquely designed to service LAX's four parallel runways. Individual local control and ground controllers handle their duties for each of the four runways. Clearance delivery, flight data and gate-hold positions are operated from the central position of the tower cab.

Public Parking More than 21,144 parking spaces are available. In addition to 10,000 parking spaces in the central terminal area, LAX has a capacity of 11,000 cars in its economy-rate, long term parking areas. Free shuttle service to airline terminals is provided around the clock from Lots B and C. Perimeter parking Lot C, northeast of the airport, also contains the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Center, which connects public bus systems with the courtesy LAX shuttle bus service provided by the airport. Cargo Facilities Fast becoming a major cargo distribution center, LAX has 1,000 cargo flights each day linking Los Angeles with the world. Its handling facilities are the 98-acre Cargo City, the 57.4-acre Imperial Complex, the Gateway Cargo Center and a number of terminals on the south side of the airport.

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