Air New Zealand has requested passengers to participate in a weight survey before boarding their international flights. The airline aims to collect data from over 10,000 customers in Auckland during June.

According to the company, this information will help them determine the weight and balance of the aircraft.

The spokesperson for the aviation authority of New Zealand, Aly Thompson, stated via email that the regulations for civil aviation are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of passengers and operators, according to Bloomberg.

One crucial aspect of this is determining the weight of all items loaded onto an airplane, which is necessary to ensure that the aircraft reaches its intended destination without any issues.

Regular Weight Surveys

The US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency mandate that airlines within their jurisdiction carry out regular weight surveys, including evaluating hand luggage and checked baggage.

Lufthansa Consulting gathered data on the weight of more than 4,000 passengers to update aircraft mass and balance calculations in a survey conducted by EASA last year.

EASA plans to repeat this survey in 2026 to determine the effect of recent events such as remote working, the war in Ukraine, and the long-term consequences of Covid-19 on people's weight.

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A Rise in Obesity Globally

The problem of obesity around the world is still on the rise, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2023. The report predicts that more than 50% of individuals over the age of 5 will be overweight or obese by 2035, an increase from 38% in 2020.

This weight increase could cause some airlines problems, impacting the size of seats and the distance a fully-loaded plane can travel.

Incorrect weight measurements have caused certain airlines to stop operating their planes and can also result in aviation authorities penalizing airlines for inaccurate data.

The FAA has given airlines two options to determine the weight of their passengers before boarding. They can either weigh them on scales or ask them their weight and add 10 pounds for clothing, as stated in a 2019 advisory circular issued by the agency.

Air New Zealand promises that individuals who participate in their survey will not have their identity revealed. The airline carefully measures the weight of all items loaded onto the aircraft, including food and baggage, to assist the pilots in planning the journey.

Putting Air Travel At Risk

Obesity is a growing concern not just for individuals but also for the airline industry. As more and more people become overweight, it puts pressure on airlines to accommodate their size and weight in seating arrangements. This can be particularly problematic during long-haul flights where passengers are expected to sit still for extended periods.

Moreover, incorrect passenger weights can have serious safety implications regarding air travel. Accurate weight measurements are critical for determining how much fuel an aircraft needs and ensuring enough space inside the plane's cargo hold.

Ultimately though, what remains clear is that addressing rising obesity rates will require comprehensive efforts from individual lifestyle changes and broader policy interventions aimed at promoting healthier diets and increasing physical activity levels across all age groups worldwide.

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