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Air New Zealand says new system will nab overweight bags
 
WELLINGTON, Nov 7, 2006 (UNI) 

Air New Zealand is to introduce a new electronic baggage system, which the airline said Tuesday would collect five million dollars (3.3 million US) annually from overweight baggage.
The system will automatically calculate the weight of baggage being checked through and any applicable charges, Air NZ executive Norm Thompson said.
‘‘This new X-bag system is designed to ensure that we more closely control baggage weight and fuel use. Every extra kilo carried on an aircraft means extra fuel burned,’’ he said.
Air New Zealand currently carries about a million kilograms of excess baggage domestically each year, costing 2,200 dollars per kilogram in fuel. Fuel makes up 35 percent of the airline’s total costs.
Thompson said it was ‘‘categorically not a revenue-gathering exercise’’ but check-in staff were reported to have been briefed on how to deal with passengers angered by the new system.
Air New Zealand domestic travellers are charged five dollars per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of baggage over the allowable 20 kilogram limit.