Southwest investigates scribblings on its planes

Southwest has been puzzling over mysterious jottings on its 737s and is working with law enforcement to discover their origins. (Matt York / Associated Press)

By Jim Forsyth Reuters

7:20 p.m. CDT, September 22, 2011

Southwest Airlines is investigating mysterious markings that began appearing on the bellies of its jets earlier this year and have been described as “similar to Arabic writing,” an airline spokeswoman said?Thursday. However, law enforcement officials have said that the markings do not present a threat.

“The markings have no affiliation to any known group or activity,” said Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King. “The markings at this time are being considered vandalism, and Southwest is conducting an internal investigation to determine who is responsible.”

She said the markings have been appearing on the airline's signature 737 jets the past several months and vary in appearance.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies all concluded that the markings, described “as similar to Arabic writing,” do not present a threat or a safety hazard, King said.

Officials have not confirmed whether the markings are messages or whether they are words or simply scribbling. King said it was also not known whether they were made on purpose or were the result of some type of mechanical issue.

King said Southwest Airlines, which exclusively uses 737 aircraft in its routes, had determined that there was no danger to the planes or?passengers.

“We obviously take the behavior very seriously, and we will continue to involve local and federal law enforcement as needed until the situation is resolved,” King said.

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