Air New Zealand is to begin weighing international passengers before they fly, the airline has announced. 

The initiative is a new requirement from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority and has been brought in to improve passenger safety and fuel efficiency. 

It is important for pilots to know how much passengers and cargo weigh before they fly - as it impacts everything from fuel requirements to how they take off and land. 

Usually, airlines estimate passengers’ collective weight but Air Zealand hopes the new measure will give them a specific figure. 

“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting,” Air New Zealand load control improvement specialist Alastair James said. 

“We want to reassure our customers [that] there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight - not even us. 

“It’s completely anonymous.

“It’s simple, it’s voluntary and by weighing in, you’ll be helping us to fly you safely and efficiently, every time.”

Passengers’ hand luggage will then be weighed separately as well. 

An Air New Zealand flight being prepped for takeoff in Queenstown.

Fuel efficiency 

Airlines typically carry 1% more fuel than they need and over the course of the flight they burn 0.5% of their fuel just transporting the excess. 

It is hoped the more accurate weight readings will translate into more fuel efficient flights and less carbon emissions. 

Main image: Split of an airport and a weighing scales.