Check out the new rule by Air New Zealand for passengers
The national airline of New Zealand, Air New Zealand, requires passengers to weigh themselves before boarding foreign flights.
Air New Zealand plans to weigh 10,000 passengers over a month so pilots can better understand the weight and balance of their planes before takeoff.
However, the scales’ readings will not be displayed for all to see. The airline says there would be no visible display anywhere and that the weigh-in data would remain anonymous even to airline personnel.
“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft — from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold,” said Alastair James, the airline’s load control improvement specialist, in a statement. “We use average weights for customers, crew, and cabin bags, which we get from this survey.”
The Civil Aviation Authority, the nation’s industry watchdog, does require the figures.
Airlines have several possibilities for estimating passenger weight under the authority’s norms. One alternative is conducting surveys regularly, like Air New Zealand, to get an average weight. Another alternative is to accept the authority’s standard weight.
The authority’s current weight limit for passengers aged 13 and up is 86 kilogrammes (190 pounds), which includes carry-on luggage. The authority last revised the average passenger weight in 2004 when it was raised from 77 kilograms (170 pounds).
According to health statistics, New Zealanders are becoming overweight. As per the most recent national health survey, the adult obesity percentage is 34%, up from 31% a year before. Childhood obesity rates have risen to 13%, up from 10% a year ago.
Customers on Air New Zealand domestic flights were polled a few years ago.
Stepping on the scales, according to James, poses no danger to passengers.
“It’s simple, voluntary, and by participating, you’ll be assisting us in flying you safely and efficiently every time,” he explained.
According to the airline, the survey began this week and will run until July 2.
Get all the latest news of Saurashtra on Indian daily post.
