The zero-fuel weight (ZFW) of an aircraft is the total weight of the airplane and all its contents, minus the total weight of the usable fuel on board. Unusable fuel is included in ZFW. Remember the takeoff weight components contributions:

Where OEW is the Operating Empty Weight (that is a characteristic of the plane), PL is the Payload actually embarked, and FOB the Fuel actually embarked and TOW the actual take-off weight. ZFW is also defined as OEW + PL. The previous formula becomes:

For many types of airplane, the airworthiness limitations include a maximum zero-fuel weight. This limitation is specified to ensure bending moments on the wing roots are not excessive during flight. When the aircraft is loaded before flight, the zero-fuel weight must not exceed the maximum zero-fuel weight.

The maximum zero fuel weight (MZFW) is the maximum weight allowed before usable fuel and other specified usable agents (engine injection fluid, and other consumable propulsion agents) are loaded in defined sections of the aircraft as limited by strength and airworthiness requirements. It may include usable fuel in specified tanks when carried in lieu of payload. The addition of usable and consumable items to the zero fuel weight must be in accordance with the applicable government regulations so that airplane structure and airworthiness requirements are not exceeded.

If the limitations applicable to a transport category airplane type include a maximum zero-fuel weight it must be specified in the Airplane Flight Manual and the type certificate data sheet for the airplane type.

When an aircraft is being loaded with crew, passengers, baggage and freight it is most important to ensure that the ZFW does not exceed the MZFW. When an aircraft is being loaded with fuel it is most important to ensure that the takeoff weight will not exceed the maximum permissible takeoff weight.

MZFW : The maximum permissible weight of an aircraft with no disposable fuel or oil.

where FOB is Fuel On Board.