Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at LAX Officially Opens

150k

Square Feet

Gates

LEED

Silver (target certification)

January 2024 – MSC South topping out celebration

The Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is now complete and officially open, adding eight new gates and more than 150,000 SF of modern terminal space to the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

Breaking ground in June 2023, the MSC South reached topping out in just seven months, a remarkable pace that underscores exceptional planning, teamwork, and precision across all trades. Just nine months later, the construction of all nine segments has been completed, advancing the project towards its final stages. On September 30, 2025, MSC South celebrated its first operational milestone by hosting a Frontier Airlines flight to Las Vegas.

This milestone is just the beginning. We will be sharing the full story of MSC South, highlighting the challenges, innovative solutions, and teamwork that made this project a success.

More about MSC South

Designed for Sustainability and Passenger Experience

MSC South was delivered using an innovative Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR) technique—first-of-its-kind at LAX and only the second at a U.S. airfield. OCR involved building nine massive terminal segments 1.75 miles offsite, which were later transported into position using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). This strategy significantly minimized disruption to airport operations while allowing faster delivery, enhanced quality control, and improved safety throughout the project.

“This project stands out for what we accomplished together, that is delivering a complex, high-performance facility faster and with exceptional precision,” said John Finn, CEO. “By constructing the concourse offsite and carefully relocating each segment into place, we demonstrated how innovation and collaboration can redefine what’s possible in airport construction.”

Commitment to Workforce Diversity

Beyond its engineering feats, MSC South is a story of collaboration and community. The project brought together 374 local workers, including two graduates of the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program, achieving over 30% local hire participation. Each worker played a vital role from groundbreaking to modular completion and relocation to the successful completion and opening of the concourse.

Supporting local and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) was integral to the success of this landmark project, reflecting our company vision: “WE Value People. WE Build Dreams.”

This commitment also aligns with Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) mission to foster inclusive growth and create opportunities across its major infrastructure projects.

“Together with Woods Bagot, LAWA, and all other team members, we’re revolutionizing the way work can be built at LAX—and at other airfields around the country,” said Brian Rush, Vice President of Preconstruction.

Innovation Takes Flight

September 30, 2025 – MSC South team celebrates the first operational milestone at Gate 229, as Frontier Airlines departs for Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Jim Nelson)

As Los Angeles prepares to take the global stage for the 2028 Olympics and other major sporting events, LAX continues to strengthen its position as a world leader in aviation through its $30 billion Capital Improvement Program. Among the program’s key achievements is Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South.

Continuing its commitment to elevate the passenger experience, LAX has begun the phased closure of Terminal 5 as part of a complete demolition and rebuild, which commenced on October 28.

This long-term modernization effort is designed to prepare Los Angeles for an anticipated influx of international travelers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 NFL Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new Terminal 5 is expected to open in time for the 2028 Games, further enhancing LAX’s capacity, efficiency, and traveler experience.

See additional photos below, courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

As LAX sets the stage for the 2028 Olympics, W.E. O’Neil couldn’t be prouder to put our fingerprints on preparing the airport for the next 50 years.

_{Jim Nelson, Project Executive}