LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has received 12 higher-capacity, compressed natural gas (CNG), airfield buses from North American Bus Industries, Inc. (NABI). The buses have a capacity of more than 100 passengers. At a cost of $659,000, each bus has seating for 22-plus standing capacity of 80 with carry-on bags including space for wheelchairs, strollers, etc. There are two wheelchair ramps.

The higher-capacity airfield buses are needed to accommodate the arrival of new large aircraft, such as the Airbus 380, that will begin service at LAX. Seven international air carriers have announced plans to operate the A-380, starting in spring 2007 through 2010. The A-380 can carry between 555 and 800 passengers, depending upon seating configuration.

The new buses are ADA compliant and can carry more than 100 passengers with carry-on items. These new 60-foot-long articulating buses will transport passengers between the terminals and the remote boarding gates more efficiently than using the airport’s existing fleet of 20 airfield buses that accommodate 60 to 80 passengers each. These new buses replace five 22-year-old diesel buses that are at the end of their operating service life.

There are nine security cameras on each bus as an extra security measure for personal safety of the passengers.

Los Angeles World Airports is a City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates four facilities: Los Angeles International, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys Airports.