EXTRA: Finland airline to start weighing passengers for ‘flight balance’

Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, says it will start weighing passengers and their carry-on baggage when departing from Helsinki airport. 

The weighing, according to the airline, is voluntary and anonymous and will begin in February through April-May.

A statement issued by the airline said the “data will only be used to optimise Finnair’s current aircraft balance calculations”.

“Each aircraft has a set maximum weight to ensure a safe take-off, and this weight cannot be exceeded,” the statement reads.

“The metrics for measurement include the weight of the aircraft itself, fuel, checked baggage and cargo, onboard catering, water tanks, and passengers.

“Airlines typically use standard average weights for passengers and their carry-on luggage to estimate the total weight.

“These standard weights can be adjusted based on the type of aircraft, the type of operation, the season, and the departure/destination station.”

Finnair said it has used average weights determined based on its measurements since 2018 but authorities require the figures to be updated every five years.

“We use the weighing data for the average calculations required for the safe operation of flights, and the collected data is not linked in any way to the customer’s personal data,” Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair, said.

“We record the total weight and background information of the customer and their carry-on baggage, but we do not ask for the name or booking number, for example. Only the customer service agent working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind.”

The airline added that the calculations will be delivered to the Finnish transport and communications agency between July and September.

After confirmation, the data will be used for aircraft balance and loading calculations between 2025–2030.

According to Safety First magazine, proper distribution of weight plays a large and important role in an aircraft’s overall performance.

The publication warned that an improperly loaded plane will affect its fuel consumption, speed, rate of climb, controllability, ceiling, and even structural integrity.