Lufthansa Fits Jets With Lead Weight to Balance Out First Class

Aerospace engineers have spent the better part of a century trying to cut weight from aircraft to save on fuel. Deutsche Lufthansa AG is now going the other way on some jets in order to give first-class customers a good night’s rest.

The German group’s Swiss subsidiary will add a lead weight to the tail of some of its aircraft to smooth out a fore-to-aft imbalance caused by its new first class cabin, according to a statement from the company. Engineers will add the so-called “balancing plate” to compensate for the additional weight generated by a new arrangement that will feature lie-down beds and accommodate a maximum of four passengers per aircraft.