If you’re a frequent flyer, you know that airlines are always looking for ways to streamline operations and improve safety measures. Finnair, has decided to weigh passengers along with their carry-on luggage before they board a flight.
But first… let’s talk about this airline’s major acquisition.
Ben Minicucci, the big shot at Alaska Airlines, couldn’t contain his excitement, calling it the “next step in our journey” to make travel awesome for us.
This mash-up is all about giving us, the travelers, more options and perks!
Now, let’s talk numbers – $1.9 billion is no small change, and that includes taking on $900 million of debt.
It’s a serious commitment, but it shows just how much Alaska Airlines is betting on this game-changing move.
So… who is this other Airline?
This airline has integral part of life in Hawaii for generations, and it all started back in 1929.
That’s right… Hawaii Airlines!
Peter Ingram, the top dog at Hawaiian Airlines, was all smiles too, saying this partnership is like finding the perfect travel buddy.
He sees it as a chance to level up service for guests, employees, and everyone in the Hawai’i community.
But hold up, the real kicker?
Honolulu is about to become THE spot, the heart of the action!
It’s set to be a buzzing hub for the new airline, offering up more services for locals heading to the mainland and opening doors to Asia and beyond for U.S. travelers.
Hold on to your seats – this aviation love story is set to take off in the next 12 to 18 months, pending the green light from Hawaiian shareholders.
It’s like the countdown to the most epic adventure, and we can’t wait to see what these two airlines have in store for us. Stay tuned for updates on this sky-high collaboration!
Weighing in on the Matter
When it comes to air travel, every kilogram counts.
The weight of an aircraft, its passengers, and their luggage directly impacts the balance of the flight, fuel consumption, and overall safety.
To ensure optimal operations, airlines usually rely on average weights provided by aviation authorities. In most cases, the assumed average weight is around 88kg.
But Finnair had a different idea. Instead of using these averages, they decided to collect their own data.
As such, they have begun weighing passengers, along with their carry-on luggage, at Helsinki’s departure gates.
The process, which is entirely voluntary, started on a Monday, and by the end of the first week, more than 500 passengers had participated.
Now, before you start sweating about the airline’s intentions, let’s clear things up.
Finnair has assured that the collected data isn’t associated with passengers’ personal information.
The only person who can see the total weight is the customer service agent at the measuring point.
So, you can participate in the research without any concerns about privacy.
As Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair, puts it, “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.”
Weighing Pros and Cons
The initiative has stirred up some strong reactions online.
Some social media users have expressed their horror, arguing that it could lead to embarrassment for overweight passengers.
Others, however, have welcomed the move, suggesting it could be a way to address the obesity crisis.
Despite the mixed reactions, it’s important to remember that Finnair isn’t the first airline to weigh passengers. In fact, Korean Air and easyJet have implemented similar initiatives in the past.
The Weighty Benefits
The decision to weigh passengers isn’t just about collecting data. It’s also about enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.
By obtaining accurate weight measurements, airlines can optimize fuel consumption, minimize carbon emissions, and increase the safety of their flights.
Päivyt Tallqvist, Finnair’s Communications Director, explains that the initiative is part of the company’s strong safety culture.
The data collected will be used for every flight and is crucial for the aircraft’s performance.
A Heavier Load in Winter
Interestingly, Finnair is not only interested in the weight of passengers and their luggage.
They’re also keen to understand how seasonal changes might affect the overall weight load.
For instance, during colder months, passengers from Finland tend to bring heavier coats, which could significantly increase the total weight.
Weighing in on the Future
The weigh-ins are expected to continue in February, April, and May. The data collected will also include information about the passengers’ age, gender, and class of travel.
While it’s unclear why no measurements will be taken in March, Finnair hopes that the initiative will provide valuable insights that could be used to improve flight operations in the future.