The Airchive-LAX Planespotting

	LAX Aerials Opened in 1929 as Mines Filed, LAX is the world’s 4th busiest airport and 2nd in terms of freight. Clear weather and take offs to the west over the Pacific afford an excellent view of LAX. LAX as we know it, emerged in the early 1960s with 7 terminals arranged in a "U" pattern.The four runways generally host takeoffs over the nearby Pacific to the west and approaches into the prevailing winds from the east. The airport is primarily an O & D (originate and depart) facility due to its large catchment area, and for connections to the Far East. No airline considers LAX a hub or calls it headquarters any longer since the departure of Continental and Western back in the 1980s. This page follows the airport around the "U" from terminals 1-7.


	LAX Theme Building: Encounters Restaurant The 1961 era Theme Restaurant at LAX re-opened in 1997 with a decidedly retro feel. Designed by the Disney Imagineering Studios, Encounters is a short walk from any terminal and a great Planespotting sight. Terminals 1 & 2 are particularly on view from this location. It is a national landmark, but contrary to rumors doesn't revolve. The restaurant is temporarily closed while restoration work is carried out on the Theme Building.

	LAX 1996 Control Tower The 1996 ATC Tower has become an icon in its own right at LAX. Certainly in an era of look-alike ATC Tower structures, this is an architectual inconoclast.

	LAX 1996 Tower and Theme Building The old and the new together in this photo.

	LAX 1960 Control Tower This tower, now used as an administration building, was erected at the opening of the new LAX terminal at the dawn of the Jet Age in 1960. It looks slightly different, with the removal of the louvers over the windows, than it did in its heyday.
	Terminal One at LAX Terminal One was built just in time for the 1984 Olympics. PSA was the original operator out of the terminal. With PSA's acquisition by U.S. Air and the subsequent downsizing of west coast operations, Southwest moved in to become one of the top 3 carriers at LAX. It was joined by America West. America West recently entered the transcon game with nonstops from LAX to JFK and Boston.This is now the "low cost" terminal at the airport and for convenience is the first stop on the departures loop. U.S. Airways also shares operations at this congested terminal.


	Southwest Airlines at Terminal One at LAX LAX is an unusual destination for Southwest in that it is a major airport. The airline began service to LAX in 1982.
	Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 (2001 Canyon Blue scheme)
	Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and US Airways Boeing 737
	US Airways at Terminal One at LAX US Airways, now merged with America West, operates to its hubs at Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and Phoenix from LAX. Washington National will be high on the airline's list for sure if government regulations allow.

	Terminal Two Northwest operate a large Asian operation with co-tenants KLM, Jetsgo,Virgin, and Air New Zealand from this terminal.

	Northwest Airlines Airbus A-320 Northwest began A-320 operations in 1994. After United, it is the second largest US operator of the type. NWA serves Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Detroit from LAX with them.
	Northwest Airlines Boeing 757-300 The 757-300 is nearly 178 feet long, 23 feet longer than the 757-200 and nearly as long as the 767-300. This allows for an extra 40-50 seats. It is the longest single aisle commercial airliner since the Douglas DC-8-61 and -63 stretches of the 1960s. From first hand experience I found it to be low on crew appeal and passenger appeal. The image to the left shows the "mini-cabin" of 7-8 aisle seats added to the rear of the fuselage to create the -300's extra seating capacity. The aisles are very narrow, it has a yawing ride in turbulent weather for those in the back, offers no additional restrooms, and generally feels cramped. Crew find it hard to work as it doesn't add another flight attendant (at least on NWA), and cockpit crews bemoan the ox-like performance. To exacerbate this, on 3 1/2 flights, NWA doesn't offer any in-flight audio or video entertainment even though such systems are installed. The airliner, which entered airline service in 2001, was a disappointment for Boeing. The entire 757 line was discontinued in October 2004. In the U.S., Continental, Northwest, and ATA operate a few examples, with the balance of the fleet operating for leisure airlines in Europe. Cabin shots are on the interiors page.

	Northwest Airlines 1989 livery sandwiched by 2004 livery
	Northwest Boeing 747-400 NWA, the world's first operator of the 747-400 back in 1989, operates them to their Asian hub at Tokyo Narita.

	ATA Boeing 757-300 ATA, Continental, and Northwest are the only US operators of this rare airliner. The 757-300 was discontinued at the end of 2004. ATA itself, is on the endangered species list selling most of its Chicago Midway Hub operation to Southwest and downsizing its remaining homebase hub of Indianapolis. ATA operates the 757-300s from LAX to Hawaii and Indianapolis.
	Jestgo Logojet MD-80 Jetsgo was one of Canada's more successful LCCs. With an emphasis on Ontario, Jetsgo serves Toronto non-stop from LAX. It ceased flying in March, 2005 suddenly.
	KLM Asia Boeing 747-400 Combi This is a rare bird in two ways. KLM is one of the few majors to operate combis (pax and freight), certainly one of the few Combis regularly scheduled into LAX. Second, KLM Asia is a fully-owned subsidiary that was set-up to serve Taiwan, as many European Airlines did. This loophole allows it easier access to mainland China. KLM is a close partner to Northwest hence why they operate from the same terminal at LAX.

	KLM Boeing 777-200
	Air Canada A319 X 2, Air New Zealand 767, and Taca A319 The Star Alliance is well represented here. The LAX Theme Building, under renovation as of Summer, 2007, is seen in the background.
	Terminal Three Alaska Airlines now uses this terminal, which was the original TWA facility. Particulalry in the boarding area, it looks similar to when it was first built in the 1960s.

	Alaska Airlines Alaska operates many MD-80s to Mexico and the Pacific Northwest, with most flights to its base in Seattle.

	Tom Bradley International Terminal With the exception of Air New Zealand and Qantas, virtually all foreign carriers depart from the TBIT. All international arrivals come here. The Bradley terminal, named after a former LA mayor, was built just prior to the LA Olympics in 1983. With service from the world over and extremely tight security, TBIT has become desperately overcrowded. In 2007, a major rennovation was announced with a major goal eliminating the interminable security lines, and even more importantly recapturing traffic fleeing to San Francisco.Nevertheless, this facility still buzzes with excitement.


	Korean 747-400 and Air Tahiti Nui A340-300 in the "TBIT Alley"
	Tails of a Varig Brazil MD-11, Air France 777, Asiana 747-400, and China Airlines 747-400 A thrilling line-up such as this is a common site at TBIT.
	Swiss MD-11 Swiss operates a daily MD-11 service from LAX to Zurich. The MD-11s are being replaced by A-340s. Notice the airline's name written in five different languages on the fuselage. This is clever, considering the Swiss being famed linguists.
	Lufthansa 747-400 The German flag carrier operates daily non stops to Frankfurt and Munich from LAX.
	Thai 747-400 Thai flies one stop flights to Bangkok via Hong Kong with 747-400s. This Jumbo commemorates the King’s 50th Anniversary on the throne with a fuselage length graphic of the Royal Barge.
	JAL 747-400 Japan Air Lines operates the largest 747 fleet in the world. From LAX, JAL serves Tokyo, Osaka Kansai, and Nagoya non-stop.
	Asiana 747-400 Asiana operates an excellent international service from LAX to Seoul. Founded only in 1988 with 2 737-400s, Asiana is the fastest growing airline in Asia.
	Air New Zealand Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand operates 5 747-400s. From LAX, ANZ serves Auckland non-stop with 747-400s as well as a non-stop to London with 76’s.
	Singapore Airlines Highly lauded Singapore Airlines now serves LAX non-stop to Singapore with its Airbus A-340-500s. The 747-400s are forced to stop in Tapei or Tokyo. Singapore will launch A-380 Superjumbo service sometime in 2006 as the launch carrier. LAX is rumored to be one of the first destinations. It is likely this will be the first A-380 route into the U.S.
	Mexicana Airlines Airbus A-320 (1997 livery) Boeing 757s and Airbus A-319s/A-320s now form the backbone of Mexicana's fleet.
	Mexicana Airlines Airbus A-320 (2006 livery) Mexicana introduced this simplified livery fleetwide in 2006.

	AeroCalifornia DC-9-30 Aero California operates DC-9-10s and DC-9-30s from LAX to Tijuana and Cabo San Lucas.
	AeroMexico Boeing 737-800 AeroMexico is all Boeing while its rival, Mexican is a primary Airbus operator.
	Asiana Boeing 747-400 Asiana, founded in 1989, has become a strong #2 to Korean Airlines but its service is considered among the best in Asia. The 747 is seen here in the airline's original livery which was replaced with a new look in 2006.
	Cathay Pacific and JAL Boeing 747-400 Two of the world's great and loyal 747 operators are seen here. As of 2007, neither had ordered A380s.
	American Airlines Terminal Five The quonset hut roofline was added when this terminal was remodeled in 2001. American, along with United and Southwest, are the dominant carriers at LAX.

	American Neon Eagle The American neon eagle loomed over the ticket counter from the 1960s until the terminal remodeling was completed in 2001. It has since been moved to above the security checkpoint.
	New American Airlines Terminal @ LAX American opened a rennovated terminal at its LAX terminal 5 in 2002.
	American 757 and MD-80 These two American jets sit at the gate on a atypical LA stormy day.
	American Airlines Boeing 757 at "40s Gates"
	American Boeing 757-200 with Aviation Partners Winglets American is extending the life on its entire fleet with these 7 foot high winglets which improve fuel burn up to 3% and increase perfomance.
	American Airlines "40s Gates" Ramp
	American MD-80 Once the mainstay of American’s short haul domestic fleet, the MD-80s are being retired in favor of Next Generation Boeing 737-800s.
	American Airlines Boeing 737-800 The 737-800 has become the backbone of AA's short-haul network. Interestingly, AA didn't operate the 737 until 1998, except briefly after the 1985 AirCal acquisition.


	QANTAS 747 (3 images) Qantas operates 21 747-400s including being the launch customer of the 747-400ER. From LAX, the Australian flag carrier serves Melbourne and Sydney non-stop. Qantas, sharing One World partner American's gates, is one of the few international carriers to operate from a terminal other than Tom Bradley.

	Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 Hawaiian has served the mainland since the mid 1980s. Unlike Aloha, it uses widebody equipment on its flights to the mainland and flies to major airports like LAX and SFO. Initially Hawaiian used DC-8s, then L1011s, followed by American's retiring DC-10s in the late 1990s. It's current fleet strategy calls for leased 767-300s in a high density two class configuration.
	Singapore / AA A Singapore Megatop 747-400 backs up to an American 767-300 on a beautiful winter day. Singapore serves Singapore Changi through Hong Kong and Tokyo. Nonstops are planned for 2003.
	Delta Airlines Terminal Six - 1987 Delta operates an extensive schedule from this terminal on the south side of LAX. This comfortable terminal was originally built for Western prior to its Delta takeover in 1987.


	Delta Connection CRJ-200 Delta's new look introduced in April 2007 is seen here.

	Jetway Entrance at Delta T6
	Delta Airlines/United 757s at Terminal 6
	Delta Boeing 767-300 A Delta 767 in the 2000 livery rests in October, 2002 before the 3 1/2 hour journey to Atlanta.
	Delta Boeing 767-300 This example is seen in the bland livery that was used from 1997-2000.
	Skywest EMB-120 Skywest, a Delta Express affiliate, flies throughout Southern California connecting to LAX. Skywest is based in St. George, Utah.
	LAX Terminal Delta/Continental Rotunda This terminal is one of the very few to still remain in a style and configuration close to when it was built in the early 60's.
	Delta Airlines Boeing 767 on Ramp
	Song Airlines Song was history two years before this photo was taken in 2007, but quite a few DL 757s continue to operate in Song colors.

	United Airlines Terminal The last terminal before exiting LAX belongs to United Airlines. United operates extensive flights to Asia, Europe, Hawaii, and throughout the U.S. from here. Before its bankruptcy in 2002, United had become the #1 carrier at LAX, coming close to building it out as a hub. Though the concourses are relatively modern, the ticketing hall has become over-crowded and in need of renovation.

	United Airlines Terminal seen from Parking Structure
	United Terminal Lower Level Arrivals
	United Boeing 747-400 (1993 colors) United's 747s operate mainly to Tokyo from LAX.
	United Boeing 757-200 (2004 colors)
	American Eagle Midfield Terminal American operates an extensive, but expensive, intra-California commuter operation. Saab 340s and ERJs dominate the scene at Eagle's LAX operation. The terminal is connected by bus from American's Terminal 5.

	American Eagle SAAB 340 The famed California Marine Layer is a fitting backdrop for this SAAB.
	LAX Shuttle This shuttle is used to transport passengers to the AA Eagle remote terminal and to other remote stands around LAX.
	American Airlines Maintenance Base Neon Sign
	United and former Delta Maintenance Hangers
	LAX Entry Sculpture
	United Airbus A-320 Interiors United operates A-320s on medium haul and long haul from LAX, including transcon flights to Washington Dulles and Miami.
	ABX Air Freight Boeing 767 Freighter
	Air China Boeing 747-400 Air China's Jumbo climbs out of LAX for the 16 hour non-stop flight to Bejing.
	Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 Southwest's 737NGs are distinguished by the orange color canoe fairings under the wing. Note the lack of doors for the underwing landing gear as with all 737s.
	Air India Boeing 747-400 An Air India "Flying Maharaja" 747-400 lifts off on it's long, long journey back to Mumbai via London. Photo courtesy: Chris Cummings
	Asiana Airlines Boeing 747-400 Asiana operates a state-of-the-art fleet with high end services to Seoul, North Korea. The airline is a growth phenomena having only begun services in 1989. Asiana opportunistically took on a great deal of market share as Korean Airlines encountered safety and operational turbulence in the 1990s. With Korean's recovery, Asiana has much more competition in the segment. Asiana is positioning its Northern Asian hub at Seoul's new Inchon Airport to allow it to become a pan Asian carrier in the tradition of Singapore and Cathay Pacific as opposed to just an O & D operator to Korea. Photo courtesy: Chris Cummings
	British Airways Boeing 747-400 BA operates 2 daily non stops between LAX and Heathrow. Photo courtesy: Chris Cummings
	Taxiway backup
	El Al Boeing 767-300 El Al operates consistency full flights to and from Tel Aviv. Even during the July/August 2006 conflict with Hammas, operations remained solid and load factors high. Owing to Israel's standing in the international community, security is very high at LAX and all El Al airports. In July 2002, a shooting at the El Al ticket counter in LAX led to the deaths of 3 including the gunman. Photo courtesy: Chris Cummings

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