Brace yourselves as we delve into the captivating history of Los Angeles International Airport. Known far and wide as LAX it stands as a testament to aviation’s soaring ambitions. The story of LAX begins in 1926. The Los Angeles City Council recognized the need for a city airport. They wanted to tap into the growing aviation industry.
Initially, several locations were considered. The final choice was a 640-acre field in Westchester. Real estate agent William W. Mines promoted the location. It became known as Mines Field. It was selected to host the 1928 National Air Races. The city leased the land on August 13, 1928. The Department of Airports converted wheat, barley, and lima bean fields into dirt landing strips.
The airport officially opened on October 1, 1928. Hangar No. 1 was the first structure. Curtiss-Wright built it in 1929. It served as a flight school and aircraft service center. This Spanish Colonial Revival building still stands. It is in active use and on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1930, the dirt runway was replaced. Oiled decomposed granite provided a year-round surface. Two more hangars, a restaurant, office space, and a control tower were added. On June 7, 1930, the facility was dedicated. It was renamed Los Angeles Municipal Airport.
Private pilots and flying schools used the airport. The city envisioned Los Angeles as a main passenger hub. However, airlines did not immediately move. They stayed at Burbank Airport and Grand Central Airport in Glendale.
During the Great Depression, improvements were funded by the Works Progress Administration. These included site grading and a new runway. The city paid for runway and field lights. Still, no airlines relocated.
The city purchased the land in 1937. World War II then paused passenger use development. Aviation manufacturing companies produced aircraft for the Allied powers. Flying schools saw high demand. In January 1942, the military took control. P-38 fighter planes were stationed there. Naval gun batteries were built in the ocean dunes to the west.
In early 1943, the Los Angeles Department of Airports published a master plan. Voters backed a $12.5 million bond for improvements. With funding and a plan, airlines were finally convinced to move.
After the war, four temporary terminals called the “Intermediate Facilities” were erected. On December 9, 1946, American Airlines, TWA, United Airlines, Southwest Airways, and Western Airlines began passenger operations. Pan American Airways joined in January 1947.
The airport was renamed Los Angeles International Airport in 1949. Sepulveda Boulevard was rerouted around the extended runways by 1950. In 1953, the Airport Tunnel was completed. It allowed Sepulveda Boulevard to pass beneath the runways. It was the first tunnel of its kind.
The temporary terminals remained for 15 years. They became inadequate. Airport leaders secured a $59 million bond in 1956. On July 10, 1956, Boeing’s 707 prototype visited LAX. It was its first appearance at a commercial airport outside Seattle.
In 1958, Pereira & Luckman planned a redesign for the “jet age”. The plan included terminals and parking structures connected by a steel-and-glass dome. The dome was never built. However, the Theme Building became a visible focal point.
The new terminal area west of Sepulveda Blvd opened in 1961. Each terminal had a satellite building reached by tunnels. Terminals 7 and 8 opened for United Airlines on June 25, 1961. TWA’s terminal 3, American’s terminal 4, and Western’s terminal 5 followed.
A major expansion occurred in the early 1980s for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Groundbreaking for Terminal 1 and a new International Terminal took place on July 8, 1982. The roadway past the terminal entrances got a second level. Terminal 1 opened in January 1984. The International Terminal, named for Bradley, opened on June 11, 1984.
Today, Los Angeles International Airport continues to evolve. It adapts to the ever-changing demands of global air travel. LAX stands as a symbol of innovation. It embodies the spirit of Los Angeles.