Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti last week was joined by Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) executive director Gina Marie Lindsey and United Airlines representatives to announce a $573 million upgrade of United Terminals 7 and 8 — the latest element of the city’s $7.3 billion public works project to overhaul the Los Angeles International Airport.

The project will refresh nearly all customer-facing space in those terminals, and will include infrastructure upgrades and a new baggage in-line screening system. The renovation is slated for completion by December of 2017.

“Today’s investment by United Airlines is the latest in our more than $7 billion overhaul of LAX,” Garcetti said. “Whether by upgrading nine terminals, bringing in ridesharing services in to pick you up or finally connecting the nation’s second busiest airport to rail, we’re making LAX a world-class airport befitting a city that is the global capitol of creativity, innovation and possibility.”

The upgrades are focused on improving the customer experience and enabling passengers to get in and out of the airport quicker. Main upgrades of the project include a redeveloped check-in lobby for Premier and Economy passengers; a new 12-lane, 28,000 square foot consolidated security screening checkpoint; a redesign and refresh of 24 passenger hold rooms; a fully renovated baggage claim area; and a new 20,000 square foot United Club with outdoor lounge area.