Balance problems possible
First class seats at Lufthansa subsidiary too heavy
31.08.2024, 18:15
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Swiss Air is currently implementing a modernization campaign for its fleet. The new seats in First Class are too heavy, so a counterweight has to be placed in Economy Class. This has consequences.
The new first class seats planned for 2025 at Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss are so heavy that there could be balance problems in some aircraft. Lead plates are therefore to be installed in them to correct the center of gravity.
The new seats are part of the Swiss Senses modernization campaign. The trend in aviation is more privacy in first and business class, said Swiss spokeswoman Meike Fuhlrott. That is why the seats are getting heavier, while the seats in economy class are getting lighter: “This different weight development leads to a shift in the center of gravity in airplanes.”
Lead plates are intended to restore the balance. Airbus A333 aircraft are affected. The newspapers of the media house “CH Media” were the first to report on this. According to them, an internal communication error within the Lufthansa Group is said to have led to the planning error.
When seats are ordered, there is initially only an estimated weight, said Fuhlrott. The exact weight is only known once everything is installed.
More weight generally means higher fuel consumption for aircraft. There is a conflict between balancing customer wishes, cost-effectiveness and environmental compatibility, said the spokeswoman. Swiss wants to offer suites in first class on long-haul flights in the future, which promise guests absolute privacy. The higher weight could also affect the range. According to a Swiss pilot, some long-haul flights, for example to Miami or Mumbai, could be affected.