Armed Air Marshals Added In Australia, U.K.

Qantas will begin carrying up to six armed air marshals on flights between Australia and Singapore, the Australian government said on Friday. The deal had stalled over who would pay for the seats, and was settled when the government agreed to pay corporate rates. The program will cost the government about $7.5 million (U.S.) per year. The United Kingdom also said on Saturday that armed marshals will begin to be deployed on some flights, and will be dressed as ordinary passengers. Qantas began to carry armed air marshals on domestic flights in December 2001, but these will be the first on international flights. Armed marshals also may be added to overseas flights to the United States by early next year.