LAX celebrates milestone with topping out ceremony for MSC South

Airports

John Ackerman Chief Executive Officer | Los Angeles World Airports

By Sky Industry News

Jan 17, 2024

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) marked a significant milestone with the Topping Out ceremony for its Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South. This event, held approximately seven months after the project's groundbreaking, signifies the placement of the final structural beam. The ceremony was attended by Councilwoman Traci Park of Council District 11, members of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, executives from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), and members of the design and construction team.

MSC South is an extension of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal. It will add around 150,000 square feet and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft. "Residents of Los Angeles and visitors to our amazing city are already experiencing the ongoing modernization at LAX," said Councilwoman Traci Park. She emphasized that MSC South would become a source of pride for every visitor as it approaches its final stages.

The project employs an innovative construction technique known as Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR). This method involves building in segments away from the site and then assembling them on location. This approach saves time and funds while maintaining control over building quality. Karim Webb, President of the Board of Airport Commissioners, highlighted their commitment to involving local communities in airport projects through programs like HireLAX.

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MSC South supports new career pathways for local residents not eligible to work airside. Over $1 million in wages have been reinvested into the community, with 33% of workers hired locally. Bea Hsu, Interim CEO at LAWA, expressed pride in advancing this first-of-its-kind building technique that sets standards for world-class design.

Architecturally influenced by modernist homes in Los Angeles, MSC South's design includes a brise soleil system that frames views while aiding energy conservation efforts towards achieving LEED Silver certification. Matt Ducharme from Woods Bagot described MSC South as setting a new standard for efficient and sustainable airport design.

Brian Ramsay from W.E. O’Neil praised collaboration among all partners involved in making MSC South a success through innovative construction processes that save time and money.

With Topping Out complete, work on MSC South's core will continue with substantial completion expected by 2025.