As the popularity of timber-shredding drugs such as Ozempic goes through the roof, boffs say skinnier travellers are set to save airlines millions in fuel bills.
Fat fliers on weight loss jabs are set to save airlines massive fortunes in fuel.
But industry experts also warn their slimming habits could hit in-flight snack and drink profits. The soaring popularity of weight loss jabs including Mounjaro and Wegovy is set to help airlines shed the loads of their crafts as they have already helped millions of people worldwide become slimmer.
Sheila Kahyaoglu, an analyst from market researcher Jefferies who co-wrote a report into the economic impacts of fat jabs said: “A slimmer society equals lower fuel consumption. Airlines have a history of being vigilant around aircraft weight savings, from olives (pitless, of course) to paper stock.
“Passenger waistlines have thus far been out of their control.”
Ms Kahyaoglu also said Wegovy being available in pill form would help airlines’ profits balloon even more thanks to fuel savings. She added: “With the drug now available in pill form and obesity rates falling, broader usage could have further implications for waistlines.
“Weight equals fuel consumption. The heavier an aeroplane is, the harder the engines have to work to create the needed thrust.”
Jefferies says in its report a society that was just 10% slimmer overall would deliver an average weight saving of around 2% per flight for airlines. It’s equal to a 1.5% fuel saving – which boffs say is enough to boost profits by 4%.
Experts say the trend could also lead to cheaper airline tickets for passengers.
The top four airlines in America alone are set to announce they spent a total of £29billion on fuel in 2025. It’s the equivalent of 20% of their total expenses.
A 1.5% reduction in those costs would save the firms almost £450million. British Airways could expect similar levels of savings if slimmer passengers become the norm.
But one industry expert warned: “This move may save millions in fuel, but passengers obsessed with slimming will also hurt profits from mid-air snacks and booze.”
Airline bosses have spent years fixated on creating minute weight savings. Efforts to reduce fuel costs have included the fixing of slimmer seats and carrying less water. Olives have also been slashed from salads, while drinks servings come in ever-shrinking containers.
United Airlines printed its in-flight magazine on lighter paper, saving it 170,000 gallons of fuel a year – equal to more than £216,000.
It comes after Southwest Airlines, which flies across the US to 100 destinations in 42 states, announced plus-size passengers will be forced to pay for two seats when travelling. The controversial rule kicks in on January 27, when passengers will need to be aware those who “encroach upon the neighbouring seat” will need an additional advance ticket for their journey.
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