More than 10,000 passengers flying with Air New Zealand throughout June will be asked to step onto the scales before they board their flight, as the airline is looking for those travelling on their international flights to take part in a passenger weight survey.
The airline says it is an essential initiative to ensure “the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft”, and is also a requirement from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Passengers on domestic flights were weighed in 2021, and now that international travel has resumed following the pandemic, it’s time for international flyers to weigh in as well.
The CAA in New Zealand claims that weighing passengers before a flight can increase safety and cut the environmental harm caused by planes. Currently, airlines use “assumed mass”, estimating the total weight of the passengers by using set figures.
Air New Zealand is keen to reassure passengers who might be hesitant about getting weighed while holding their hand luggage, that there is nothing to worry about. “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.”
Alastair James, Air New Zealand’s load control improvement specialist said: “It’s simple, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.”
He explained that before each take-off the pilot needs to know the weight and balance of the loaded aircraft. “We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft, from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew, and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
The survey will take place at the entrance to the gate lounge of selected Air New Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport until 2nd July 2023.
