Transforming Travel: Jacobs' Role in the World's Largest Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility at LAX

The record-breaking Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ConRAC) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) began welcoming its first guests in late 2024, with Jacobs playing a key role in its delivery. As the world's largest facility of its kind, the ConRAC is one of the major components of the $5.7 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), designed to enhance the passenger experience and improve operational efficiency at LAX. Since 2017, Jacobs has provided program and construction management services to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) across LAX modernization initiatives, including LAMP and other Phase I Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects focused on terminal upgrades, congestion relief and improved airfield safety.

The new $1.4 billion ConRAC streamlines operations of all car rental companies at LAX and improves access for travelers. The facility connects passengers directly to the Central Terminal Area via the Automated People Mover (APM) train, which upon its operation, will reduce traffic and enhance mobility. Jacobs supported the ConRAC through procurement, design and construction, drawing on experience with public-private partnership (P3) delivery models. The team developed procurement documents and technical requirements for the design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) approach and led reviews of Statements of Qualifications and technical proposals to maintain quality and compliance.

Jacobs identified more than $100 million in cost savings during the project. This included a $29 million reduction through foundation design improvements and $83 million savings in soft costs through a lean staffing strategy that reduced planned hours by 53%. The team's asset management program also cut capital and operational costs by up to 40%.

"The LAX ConRAC project is a technological marvel and a testament to Jacobs' commitment to sustainability and community impact, "says Jacobs Vice President and Director of Aviation for the U.S. West Ron Siecke. "In addition to the management support we brought to the program, we advised on their sustainability plan, recommending enhancements in energy use, emissions reduction and waste management that helped the project achieve LEED Gold certification."

Jacobs also navigated complex technical and stakeholder challenges. The team helped develop performance-based requirements for the P3 model and turned high-level concepts into buildable plans. Jacobs resolved fire code issues to enable installation of 98 fuel pumps in the quick turnaround (QTA) building and supported circular resource use, including water and construction material reuse.

"As we celebrate the successful delivery of the ConRAC facility at LAX, Jacobs remains focused on advancing innovation and sustainability in aviation infrastructure," adds Ron. "This project highlights our ability to deliver complex, high-impact solutions that improve travel for millions of passengers."

Jacobs' work at LAX is part of a broader presence across California, where the company supports some of the state's most iconic and transformative infrastructure programs. Explore more: Exploring California's Gems.