Swiss Airlines is facing a unique challenge: their new, luxurious first-class seats are proving to be too heavy for their Airbus A330s, CNN reports.
The airline is forced to install a massive “balancing plate” at the back of the aircraft to counteract the weight of the new, spacious suites, which include six-foot walls and locking doors.
The new “Swiss Senses” seats, due to be installed in winter 2025-2026, were designed to provide a premium, made-in-Switzerland experience. Each first-class suite spans 37 square feet and features sliding doors and walls for complete privacy.
However, the weight of these luxurious seats, coupled with the trend towards lighter economy seats, is shifting the center of gravity on the A330s, which are already prone to being nose-heavy.
To address this issue, Swiss will be installing a balancing plate at the back of the aircraft. The exact weight of the plate is yet to be determined, but it will be calculated based on the final weight of the seats.
While the balancing plate will be hidden from view of economy passengers, the situation highlights the challenges airlines face in balancing luxury with efficiency. Flying first-class is more environmentally damaging than flying in economy due to the weight and space requirements of the seats, according to the report.
