SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 27 (UPI) -- Korean Airlines has awarded an Arizona company a $145,000 contract for a supply of its non-lethal weapons for use by cockpit crews in the event of trouble with an unruly or dangerous passenger.
TASER International said Wednesday it expected to deliver the weapons, which shoot a dart carrying an incapacitating electrical charge, to KAL within 45 days.
"Korean Airlines joins United Airlines by showing real leadership on the issue of aircraft security," said TASER President Tom Smith. "We are working with Korean Airlines to expedite the process of deploying this powerful, yet safe technology to maximize the safety of pilots, aircrews, and the traveling public on Korean Airlines flights."
The issue of arming airline crews took on new urgency following the deadly Sept. 11 hijackings over the U.S. East Coast when lightly armed terrorists were able to overpower the pilots of four jets.
Concerns about firing a gun inside a crowded and pressurized airliner made non-lethal weapons a desirable alternative. The TASER is designed to stun a troublesome target long enough to be subdued.
"The security bureau of Korean Airlines tested and compared various less-lethal weapons during the last couple of months and finally decided to procure the Advanced TASER M26," said H.W. Cho, president of C&S Corp., which distributes the weapons in South Korea. "By procuring the M26, Korean Airlines becomes one of the safest airlines having the most advanced security system onboard its aircraft."
The contract calls for KAL instructors to be trained in the use of the TASER by the end of the month; the remainder of the airline's aircrews should be trained by mid-April.
