Average passenger weight unchanged despite obesity trend: EASA

Contrary to expectations, the average weight of passengers has not changed significantly since a previous study conducted nearly 15 years ago. Lufthansa Consulting reached the finding after conducting an extensive survey at six airports on behalf of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Standard passenger weights are used for aircraft balance calculations and concerns over increasing obesity within the population led EASA to initiate a review of passenger data to determine whether the figures need to be updated. The 2022 study says the “similar results” to those observed in a previous 2008 analysis “would in principle be a contradiction to what is expected”, given the World Health Organization’s indications that populations are shifting towards being more overweight. “On the other hand, considering that aviation has been expanding consistently over the last few decades – especially with the entry of low-cost airlines – it is expected that air travel will, in a short period of time, serve a larger and more diverse spectrum of people,” it states. “This includes different economical levels.” Lufthansa Consulting also highlights that the latest study, carried out during the winter season in February-March and the summer season in June-July, may have been affected by the pandemic. It says economic uncertainties and ticket costs might have “significantly” deterred the “most economically-vulnerable population” from flying. “In general, this population may be the ones with less concern about dietary habits,” the study states. <br/>