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• LAX, or the Los Angeles International Airport, is the largest airport in the greater Los Angeles, California area, and the fifth-busiest airport in the world. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines.

  On May 13, 2009, a five-foot tall metal baggage container was sucked into the jet engine of a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 preparing for take off. Passengers and crew were given alternate flight itineraries while the plane was inspected for damage.Inquisitr: LAX Baggage Accident: Metal Baggage Container Sucked into Jet Engine (May 12, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Elevation: 126 feetAirport List: LAX
  2. Located in Westchester, California
  3. Originally known as Mines Field
  4. Employees: Approx 59,000Los Angeles World Airport: LAX
  5. Annual passengers: 61,041,066 (2006)Los Angeles Almanac: LAX
  6. Size: 3,500 acres
  7. 9 operating terminalsLax Airport: LAX
  8. Runways: 4Los Angeles World Airport: LAX
  9. Commercial service started in December 1946Los Angeles World Airport: LAX
  10. The "X" in LAX has no specific significance; it was just used to keep the airport straight from others beginning with the letters "LA"

• History

  The site that would become LAX was selected by the Los Angeles City Council in 1928. It was then called Mines Field. The name was changed to Los Angeles International Airport/LAX in 1949. In 1953, a tunnel was constructed allowing Sepulveda Blvd. to run beneath the airport, allowing for its expansion away from the coastline.

• The Theme Building

  The most recognizable feature of LAX, the "Theme Building", resembling a flying saucer with four arced legs, was built in 1961. It was designated a historical/cultural landmark in 1992 and the "Encounter Restaurant" was added in 1997. Visitors were once able to access the roof of the Theme Building, but this was disallowed after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The distinctive lighting effects and futuristic interior of the building were designed by "imagineers" on loan from The Walt Disney Company.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  California | United States | LAX Explosion | LAX Bomb Scare

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