News 31 May 2023
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Author: GRM DAILY

Passengers to be weighed by airline before being allowed to board flights

Author GRM DAILY
31 May 2023
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An airline is set to implement a passenger weight survey on its international flights throughout June, with more than 10,000 passengers being asked to step onto scales before boarding.

The airline considers this initiative essential for the safe and efficient operation of their aircraft and it is also a requirement from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.

This move from Air New Zealand follows a similar weighing process implemented for domestic flights in 2021 and is seen as a crucial step now that international travel has resumed after the pandemic.

By weighing every passenger before a flight, airlines can improve safety and reduce the environmental impact caused by each flight. Currently, airlines rely on assumed mass, estimating passenger weight using set figures.

Air New Zealand aims to reassure passengers who may have concerns about the weighing process. Alastair James, the load control improvement specialist at the company said, “We know stepping on the scales can be daunting.

“We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight – not even us. It’s completely anonymous.”

The survey will take place at the entrance to the gate lounge of selected Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport until 2 July 2023.

The information gathered from the survey will enable the pilot to determine the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft before takeoff. This includes weighing everything from cargo and onboard meals to checked luggage and average weights for customers, crew, and cabin bags.

[Image via Shutterstock]