Korea Air has become the world’s first airline that will partner with U.S.-based security firm Axon to conduct specialised training for air taser instructors, which will enhance the airline’s in-flight safety response capabilities, as reported by Pulse.com.
Korea Air had completed a three-day training programme at its cabin crew training center in Seoul. The programme was led by Axon, the world’s leading manufacturer of taser devices and the company that first commercialised the technology. This also marked the first time Axon has trained airline safety instructors.
The intensive training included scenario-based exercises tailored to in-flight situations, response strategies, shooting techniques, close-quarter engagement methods, simulation drills adapted to cabin environments, shooting evaluations, comprehensive assessments, and virtual reality (VR)-based tactical training.
The session is also the first joint aviation security training involving cabin safety instructors from Asiana Airlines and Jin Air ahead of their planned integration.
Cabin crew members act as in-flight security personnel
Cabin crew members in South Korea are designated as in-flight security personnel and are authorised to act with law enforcement authority during emergency situations.
Ten cabin safety instructors who participated in the programme, will now disseminate the training by instructing their respective flight attendants on the proper use of tasers and other strategies to handle unlawful in-flight behavior during annual safety drills.
“The training will allow flight attendants to use tasers more effectively and counteract various kinds of violent behavior in the cabin,” a Korea Air official said.
Korea Air introduced stun guns in 2002
BBC reported back in 2017 that Korean Air (as it was known at that time before its re-branding) had used electric stun guns on five passengers during flights. A Korean Air spokesperson said that of the five incidents, three involved the gun being fired.
Korea Air is believed to be the only major carrier to routinely have the weapons on board at that time. The carrier told the BBC it first introduced electric stun guns in 2002. In 2017, it carried at least one set of weapons on every plane, with two sets on its A380 jumbo jets. Several major carriers contacted by the BBC at that time, declined to comment on whether or not they had Tasers on board, citing security concerns.
Cabin crew calls for more practical uniforms
Amid the heightened awareness of cabin crew’s role in ensuring safety, flight attendants are also calling for more practical uniforms, including sneakers.
Last month, unionised cabin crew from Korea Air and Asiana launched an online campaign advocating for more comfortable uniforms, stressing that flight attendants’ safety is essential for passenger safety.
More Korean airlines train crew to combat air rage
More airlines in Korea are now seeking cabin crew members who can physically restrain violent passengers.
Korea Times reported that Eastar Jet announced plans to test applicants’ physical abilities during upcoming recruitment sessions, deviating from the common practice of only requiring fitness documentation.
The Korean budget carrier will measure each applicant’s arm reach and voice projection, asking them to perform sit-ups, run and jump. Applicants will also be evaluated through role-playing scenarios to assess their responses to in-flight emergencies.
Ahead of the change in recruitment standards, Eastar conducted a physical strength check for current employees in mid-April.
“We hope this will be the first step toward changing the public perception that flight attendants are hired primarily based on age and appearance,” a company official said.
Photos courtesy of Korea Air and Korea Times.
