The Department of Homeland Security has issued its first approval for the use of stun guns to stop hijackers and unruly passengers aboard commercial flights.
The federal agency gave stun-gun maker Taser International the OK for law-enforcement personnel and flight attendants to use its zappers aboard Korean Air Lines international flights.
KAL, the only airliner to apply for permission to use the stun guns so far, will have them on about 50 weekly flights into and out of the United States.
The weapons, which cost about $400 to $800 each, use a non-lethal electric charge to subdue individuals.
"We've had a lot of interest from other carriers for our technology, but never had the approval," said Tom Smith, president of Taser, which is based in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Only two U.S. carriers — United Airlines and regional carrier Mesa Air — have looked into getting permission for the guns. But neither followed through fully.
United spokesman Jeff Green said the airline bought 1,200 Tasers, but halted plans for them in 2002 after it declared bankruptcy.
Yesterday, Taser's shares rose more than 16 percent on the Nasdaq.
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