Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is moving ahead with its planned development of cargo facilities that are set to improve the efficiency of ground handling capacity at the major gateway on the US West Coast.

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. after a review of proposals for the Cargo Modernization Program and Environmental Technical and Expert Consulting Services 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," said Justin Erbacci, chief executive officer of 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 the greater Southern California region," he added.

In 2022, LAX was ranked 5th in the US for air cargo tonnage, processing more than 2.7 million tons of cargo last year.

Currently, LAX has three cargo areas with 27 buildings, totalling approximately 2.6 million square feet and roughly 3.5 million square feet of the aircraft ramp area.

LAX noted that these facilities range from 20 to 80 years old, and 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 travelling public and businesses that rely on our infrastructure every day. Our cargo facilities are no exception," said Terri Mestas, chief development officer of 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, LA's economy and LAX's broader sustainability goals," Mestas added.

David Rose, managing director of Airport Infrastructure, Realterm (Lead Developer for LACP), said the 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."