By India Today World Desk: New Zealand’s national airline is implementing a new measure that requires passengers to step on the scales before boarding international flights. 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, The Independent reported.
Air New Zealand’s weight survey will take place on some flights from May 31-July 2, 2023.
The airline calls the program ‘passenger weight survey’ and says it is a way to gather data on the weight load and distribution for planes, CNN reported. Air New Zealand said knowing the average passenger weight would improve fuel efficiency in the future.
It is an “essential” initiative to ensure “the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft”, according to Air New Zealand.
“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold,” Alastair James, the airline’s load control improvement specialist said in a statement. “For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
With many people not willing to disclose their weight, the airline says it has made the data anonymous to protect individuals’ privacy. Participation in the survey is voluntary, the airline added.
“Now that international travel is back up and running, it’s time for international flyers to weigh in,” the airline said in a press statement.
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WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?
According to a CNN report, travellers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight. The information about their weight is then submitted to the survey but will not be viewable on the agent’s screen.
They will also place their luggage on another identical scale for separate weighing.
“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, told The Independent.
This isn’t the first time that Air NZ has asked passengers to step on the scales before boarding their flights. Domestic passengers took part in a survey in 2021, but the one for international travelers was delayed due to the pandemic.
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