Los Angeles World Airports has confirmed an unusual incident of aircraft vandalism at Van Nuys Airport earlier this week. A Learjet was tagged with some elaborate graffiti, which would have taken the "artist" some time to complete. Paint work to obliterate the freedom of expression (which includes what may be the tagger's signature) will cost in the tens of thousands of dollars and there will undoubtedly be a thorough inspection of the rest of the plane. What's not clear is how the spray-can wielding perpetrator penetrated the defenses of one of the U.S.'s busiest business aviation airports. Diana Sanchez, public and community relations director for the airport organization told AVweb they're looking into it.
Sanchez issued the following statement in response to a query from AVweb. “Los Angeles World Airports takes very seriously any and all issues of airport security in order to provide a safe and secure environment for our Van Nuys Airport tenants. An aircraft positioned on a privately leased ramp near the Sherman Way tunnel was vandalized. We are working with the affected tenant to prevent future incidents in this location, and we continue with our standing practice of reminding all tenants on the field about the importance of security.
"This particular investigation is ongoing, and Los Angeles World Airports Police is working in conjunction with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
The name of the owner of the plane was not released.
