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SOURCE: TASER International Inc.
TASER International Announces First Airline to Train Pilots with ADVANCED TASER
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2001--TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR - news), a provider of advanced less-lethal weapons for use in the law enforcement, private security and personal defense markets, announced today that Mesa Air Group is the first airline to announce that it will begin training its pilots to carry the ADVANCED TASER® M26 less-lethal weapon.
The Air Line Pilots Association, which represents Mesa's pilots, and the FAA's Rapid Response Team for Aircraft Security recently called for arming of pilots.
The original TASER® was invented in the 1970s as a potential weapon that could be safely fired within the confines of an airplane. Over time, Sky Marshals and weapons were removed from most world airlines. The recent terrorist attacks have renewed interest in this powerful less-lethal weapon technology. Following the September 11th terror attacks, TASER International made a policy exception that would allow its ``law enforcement use only'' ADVANCED TASER M26 and 21-foot range air cartridges for airline and airport personnel use. Mesa becomes the first domestic airline to arm its pilots with this advanced technology.
Commenting on Mesa's announcement, Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TASER International, said, ``This is a significant policy change for the airline industry. There is a tremendous amount of worldwide interest and momentum in protecting airline passengers from not only hijackers but also individuals who commit sky rage acts. We truly believe that the aircraft crew is the last line of defense in this fight against terrorism. With the ADVANCED TASER, Mesa Air provides its pilots and ultimately its passengers a significant tool for safety.''
Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, ``Traffic across the industry has dropped significantly since the attack of September 11th. We need to do everything we can to regain the confidence of our passengers in order to insure the future of commercial aviation. We believe that enhancing on board security will go a long way toward reaching that goal.''
Mesa recently conducted a poll in which 85 percent of respondents said they would choose an airline that provided inflight security over one that doesn't. ``We look forward to working with all parties involved, including the FAA, the airports we serve and our pilots to develop the necessary safeguards and training to insure the safe use of these defensive weapons. We hope that Mesa will set a positive example of cooperation and it is our hope that other airlines join us in developing this program, said Ornstein.''
The company began placing trained security personnel on its Mesa Airlines operation out of its Albuquerque, N.M., hub on October 17, 2001.
Mesa currently operates 116 aircraft with 832 daily system departures to 153 cities, 38 states, Canada and Mexico. It operates in the west and mid-west as America West Express, the midwest and east as US Airways Express, in partnership with Midwest Express out of Kansas City and in New Mexico under the independent Mesa Airlines.
The ADVANCED TASER M26 is a less-lethal weapon that uses compressed nitrogen to launch two small probes at a range of 21 feet. The probes remain connected by wire back to the launcher. After firing, an electronic signal called a TASER-Wave transmits along the wire into the body of the target. The electrical signal penetrates the nervous system regardless of the placement of the probes. The 26-Watt output prevents neuromuscular control and any ability to perform coordinated action. The M26 can penetrate up to two inches of clothing including leather and many bulletproof vests. The M26 is designed for tactical situations requiring less-lethal options: closed quarter combat, anti-hijacking, extraction teams, special operations and dignitary protection.
About TASER International, Inc.
TASER International, Inc. provides advanced less-lethal weapons for use in the law enforcement, private security, and personal defense markets. Its flagship ADVANCED TASER® product uses proprietary technology to incapacitate dangerous, combative, or high-risk subjects that may be impervious to other less-lethal means. This technology reduces injury rates to suspects and officers, thereby lowering liability risk and improving officer safety. The ADVANCED TASER® is currently in testing or deployment at over 950 law enforcement and correctional agencies in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Law enforcement officers at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Police Division and the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Police use the ADVANCED TASER M26 on the ground
For further information contact Steve Tuttle, Director of Public Relations at Steve@TASER.com, call 800/978-2737 ext. 2006, or visit the company's website at www.TASER.com. |
