Air New Zealand wants to weigh passengers

New Zealand carrier Air New Zealand wants to weigh not only baggage, but also passengers ahead of international flights in the coming weeks. The reason is that pilots must know the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft before each takeoff.

“It’s about safety. Every time we fly we want to know exactly how much the plane weighs,” Greg Foran, the airline’s president, told Radio New Zealand. It can be assumed that economic reasons for the procedure also play a role, after weight is also related to fuel requirements.

Participation is voluntary

From now until July 2, the gauges are at Oakland Airport in Pacific State’s North Island. Weight is capped at 10,000 passengers in total – but participation is optional. “Don’t worry. Unlike scales at home, in the gym or at the doctor’s office, no one can see the numbers, not even airline staff,” said the New Zealand Herald. Data will be collected anonymously.

The goal is to determine the average weight of passengers with their hand luggage. “We weigh everything on the plane, from cargo to meals on board to checked baggage,” says Alister James of Air New Zealand. “On the other hand, for customers, crew members, and hand luggage, we use the average weights that we get from this survey.”