SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Taser International Inc. on Monday said its stun guns were approved by the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration for use onboard a major international commercial airline. The company did not specify which airline will carry the devices, but said its guns -- designed to incapacitate an individual with a non-lethal electric charge -- will be used by specially trained personnel on flights to and from the United States. Shares of Taser jumped on the news, rising 5.2 percent, or $2.41, to $48.90 during pre-market activity on the Nasdaq.
Taser said this is the first approval for use of Taser devices on commercial flights, and added that it has expanded its training program in consultation with other domestic and international carriers.
"According to airline statistics there are approximately 17,700 passenger aircraft in the world that could use this non-lethal technology to provide an additional layer of security for passengers, airline employees, as well as the general public," president Tom Smith said in a statement.
