Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, has recently introduced a unique procedure for its passengers. Before boarding their flights, passengers will be required to step on weighing scales. This decision is part of an effort to enhance flight safety and performance.
No Discrimination Intended
Korean Air has made it clear that this new measure is not intended to insult or discriminate against passengers of different sizes. An airline official emphasized that the data collected anonymously will be utilized solely for survey purposes and will not result in overweight passengers being charged more for their tickets.
Assessing the Impact of Weight on Safety and Performance
The primary objective of this procedure is to collect data that measures the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on luggage. This data will be analyzed to understand its impact on flight safety and performance.
According to an airline representative, “This is crucial for the safety of flight operations, and Korean Air complies with this mandate and remains committed to safety, its number one priority.” By studying the impact of a plane’s overall weight on fuel consumption and flight distances, aviation organizations can identify strategies for better weight distribution onboard.
Temporary Practice
The weighing of passengers will only be a temporary practice. It was initiated at South Korea’s Gimpo International Airport from August 28 to September 3 and will continue at the Incheon International Airport from September 8 to September 19.
Voluntary Choice
Passengers will have the option to opt-out of the weighing process. They can simply inform a staff member of their decision. The airline has assured passengers that the weighing process will be conducted anonymously, and the data will be shared with the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.
Periodic Practice
Several countries, including Korea, require airlines to periodically submit data on the weight distribution of their flights to the respective country’s regulator. This practice helps determine the weight distribution on aircraft, and calculations need to take place every five years.
Respecting Privacy
Air New Zealand, the national carrier of New Zealand, conducted a similar program. Passengers flying on long international routes, such as Auckland to New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport, had their weight and luggage checked before boarding. The process was conducted anonymously, with no visible display of passengers’ weights. This initiative was deemed “essential” to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, according to Air New Zealand, and was also a requirement from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
In aviation, the weight of an airplane plays a critical role in its efficiency and safety. A lighter aircraft consumes less fuel and can fly longer distances, making weight management a key consideration for airlines and regulators alike.
