WASHINGTON - A second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier departed the Persian Gulf on Thursday, leaving only the USS Nimitz battle group on station in the Gulf, defense officials.

Federal authorities approved using electric stun guns on commercial aircraft in the United States, shooting Scottsdale-based Taser International’s stock price up nearly 17 percent Monday.

Arizona is entitled to collect property taxes on all parts of an airplane, right down to the software in its computers, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.

The preservation of jobs at America West Airlines and stable employment for US Airways workers are the major concerns of labor unions representing the more than 44,000 employees at both airlines.

Allegiant Travel Company has received FAA approval to operate the Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The airline owns four of the narrow-body, twin-engine medium-range jetliners, three of which are on lease to European carriers until mid-2012, and has committed to the purchase of two more in the fourth quarter of this year. “The addition of the Boeing 757-200 will play an important role in our company’s future growth,” said Allegiant president Andrew C. Levy.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Heavy detonations and the crackle of anti-aircraft fire were heard Thursday night in Baghdad.

Valley carriers America West Airlines and Mesa Airlines say they could benefit from United Airlines’ plan to scale back the number of flights it has in United States in an effort to cut costs and get out of bankruptcy.

WASHINGTON - President Bush will address the nation Thursday evening from deck of on an aircraft carrier to say that major combat in Iraq has ended, his spokesman said Wednesday.

“I read that Mesa Air is filing bankruptcy in part because they have too many unused aircraft. Then I read another article that Allegiant Air is buying more aircraft. Maybe Mesa Air should have contacted Allegiant or other carriers about their surplus of aircraft, thus maybe avoiding bankruptcy.”

America West Airlines said Thursday it ordered 22 Airbus planes to keep up with the company’s planned growth the next three years.

Christopher Anthony Garcia, graduate of Mesquite High School (2007) is returning to his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona after four years of service in the US Navy.  Petty Officer 2^nd class Garcia was assigned to the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier stationed in Everett Washington.  While on the Lincoln, Garcia was deployed twice to the Gulf in support of the U.S. and coalition ground force in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As a radio and communications specialist, Garcia was responsible for IT support between the ship and aircraft.

US Airways will begin offering Wi-Fi service on its aircraft beginning in early 2010, the Tempe-based carrier said Thursday.

US Airways President Scott Kirby says he feels "pretty good" about paying for new aircraft despite the financial meltdown on Wall Street.

TEMPE — US Airways Group Inc. has found problems on seven of its Boeing 757 aircraft during inspections prompted by the loss of a wing part off another company plane during flight.