The British Airline Pilots' Association has said it opposes plans to introduce armed sky marshals on some flights from Britain this week.
The announcement was made this morning in response to the increase security alert in the US.
The air marshals will mostly operate on flights to the United States and the Middle East.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said that the decision would boost public confidence in travelling but pilots have warned it could be dangerous to have weapons on board aircraft.
British Home Secretary David Blunkett has called the move a 'sensible precaution'.
