Flat Point, Saba- A new baggage scale was placed at the Juancho Yrausquin Airport on Friday afternoon.

The scale at the check-in counter was inspected by calibration specialist Head of the Economic Affairs Department Dave Levenstone and was found to be in good working order. After its installation and inspection, the new scale was immediately put into service.

The old baggage scale was about five years old and was owned by Windward Islands Airways Winair. The new scale was purchased by the Public Entity Saba. Airport Manager Maegan Hassell explained that it is customary for the airport to provide a scale. As such, it was decided to buy the new scale.

Having an accurate scale is important to airlines which need it for purposes of weight and balance. The news scale is a welcome addition, said Hassell and Brian Johnson of the airport handling company Johnson Travel Services NV.

The scale is an important instrument to keep the operational limits of departing aircraft in check, explained Johnson. “We have to make sure that the maximum weight for take-off is not exceeded. Also, on Saba we sometimes have a weight restriction because of winds. It is really important to know the take-off weight.” The other weight factors are the weight of the fuel and the weight of passengers, which is internationally set at an average of 179 pounds or 88 kilo per person.

The new scale will be used for all airlines coming to Saba: Winair, SXM Airways and Windward Express. The new, low maintenance scale is of the same type as the old one and was manufactured by the Pennsylvania Scale Company. It is widely used in airports around the world.

Calibration

Calibration specialist Levenstone inspected the new scale by placing variable weights on all parts of the scale and checking the two digital displays, one for the agent and the other for the passenger. Levenstone found the scale to be accurate and placed a sticker of approval on the side. The scale will be inspected regularly to make sure that it continues to weigh accurately.