What key factor influences the calculated Zero Fuel Weight during load planning?

The calculated Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) is primarily influenced by the operating weight of the aircraft because ZFW is defined as the total weight of the aircraft with all contents onboard excluding any usable fuel. This means it incorporates the weight of the aircraft itself, passengers, cargo, and any other items, while not factoring in the fuel weight.

When load planning, having an accurate operating weight is essential, as it ensures safety and compliance with various regulations that pertain to flight operations. An accurate assessment of the operating weight allows for the effective management of the aircraft's performance capabilities, ensuring that it remains within safe operational limits.

While other factors such as the number of vehicles loaded or passenger count play a role in influencing the total payload and subsequently the overall weight, they are components of the operating weight rather than direct determinants of the ZFW. The final destination may impact fuel needs and load distribution but does not directly affect the ZFW calculation itself.