Los Angeles Opens its Arms to Gulf Airlines
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) opened its arms to Gulf airlines at a briefing in Dubai today.
Officials from the airport trumpeted a US $6.4 billion investment program, which includes a new terminal opening in 2012, as one good reason to fly to the destination.
The airport has added nearly 150 international weekly flights during the last three years, including Emirates’ daily nonstop service from Dubai, which goes twice daily from October 31.
Amongst other reasons given for using LAX were access to one of America’s strongest state economies, a massive inbound tourism market and a large Arab-American population.
“We believe these are compelling reasons to increase the number of flights from the Gulf,” said Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director, Los Angeles World Airports.
“The success of Emirates’ flights so far shows the strength of this market and we look forward to welcoming more carriers from this region in the future.
“Our investment in the new Bradley West Terminal, which opens in 2012, adds to those attractions. Sixteen new gates, nine of which are ‘new generation’ able to handle the new Airbus A380, will boost our capacity, with fantastic facilities for arriving and departing passengers.”
LAX was the sixth busiest passenger airport in the world in the first half of 2010.
Los Angeles’ welcoming approach appears to be in contrast to that of Canada. Early this week, the UAE ambassador to Canada lamented the country’s unwillingness to allow UAE airlines to launch more flights to the country.
ASC Staff
Arabian Supply Chain