LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles City Council today unanimously approved Delta's lease and license agreement to enable the airline's relocation to Terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), completing another vital step toward a $1.9 billion plan to upgrade and connect the complex.

"This project is a giant leap forward in the modernization of our LAX terminals and will dramatically improve the passenger experience at our airport by making it quicker and more convenient for people to check-in and transfer flights at LAX," said Mike Bonin, who represents LAX and surrounding communities on the Los Angeles City Council. "I'm also thrilled that this project was so broadly supported by neighbors, workers and business groups. This continues our promise to make LAX a world-class airport and a first-class neighbor."

By relocating from Terminals 5 and 6 to the complex at Terminals 2 and 3, the future project will enable Delta to build a premier space for its LAX operations alongside its airline partners. It will also provide a secure connector to the north side of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

"Delta is committed to Los Angeles and to continuing our work both inside and outside the airport to invest in this community," said Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s Vice President – Sales, West. "We are excited to move forward with this project, which we know will enable an ever-higher level of service for our customers at this key hub."

The lease agreement and relocation will expand Delta's gates at LAX in tandem with the airline's growth there. Since 2009, Delta has more than doubled its number of seats and grown from 70 daily departures to more than 175.

Los Angeles World Airports' Board of Airport Commissioners approved the plan last month. An environmental impact review process will follow.