Mayor, Airport Officials To Unveil High-Tech Gates At New Tom Bradley Terminal

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and airport officials Wednesday unveiled the north concourse and three aircraft gates at the new Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.

One of the gates is already in use, but the other two will become operational later this week.

In all, 18 high-tech gates are being built to accommodate newer planes, such as the Airbus 380 super jumbo and the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.

During Wednesday's 1 p.m. event, Singapore Airlines Flight 12 was used to demonstrate the gates' laser-guided docking technology.

New computerized passenger bridges that extend to three aircraft doors, including one on the second level of the Airbus 380, were also used.

The terminal's 150,000-square-foot Great Hall, which will feature fine dining, shopping and lounges, is scheduled to open later this year.

Next year, the terminal will expand its customs and security screening facilities.