TSA Approves Use Of Stun Guns On Korean Air Flights To U.S.

Flight attendants and pilots armed with stun guns soon may join federal air marshals in policing aircraft in U.S. skies, as the Transportation Security Administration approved onboard use of those weapons, the agency today confirmed.

Taser International Inc. said TSA ruled "specially trained personnel" aboard Korean Air flights flying in the United States may carry the non-lethal weapons, a ruling the company said may encourage other airlines to follow suit.

"This opens an exciting new market segment for Taser devices for specially trained personnel to defend passengers and aircraft against potential terrorist activities or passengers that present an imminent danger to the safety of the aircraft in flight," said Tom Smith, the company's president.

Korean Air has 50 flights a week to the U.S. Smith said a "handful" of other airlines are interested in using the technology to provide "an additional layer of security for passengers, airline employees, as well as the general public."

United Airlines bought 1,300 Taser devices and planned to seek government approval to deploy them on its aircraft, before putting the project aside amid financial concerns, Smith said.