Air Recent Zealand might be asking to weigh passengers traveling internationally in June.
The knowledge might be collected to assist the airline determine average passenger weights going forward when calculating the load and balance of aircraft – which all pilots must know before takeoff.
Alastair James, Air Recent Zealand load control improvement specialist, assured passengers it was voluntary and their weight wouldn’t be displayed for anyone to see on the airport.
“We weigh the whole lot that goes on the aircraft – from the cargo to the meals on-board, to the baggage within the hold,” Mr James explained.
“For patrons, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey.”
Passengers were weighed domestically in 2021 and now the airline is specializing in passengers travelling internationally.
They might be asked to be weighed at the doorway to the gate lounge of certain Air Recent Zealand flights departing from Auckland International Airport until July 2.
“We all know stepping on the scales may be daunting. We would like to reassure our customers there isn’t a visible display anywhere. Nobody can see your weight – not even us! It’s completely anonymous,” Mr James said.
“It’s easy, it’s voluntary, and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, each time.”
Air Recent Zealand told news.com.au it needed at the least 10,000 passengers to participate and the survey was a Civil Aviation Authority requirement.
