AIR NEW ZEALAND: Announces new CEO — Nikhil Ravishankar former head of Digital

Air New Zealand has named its chief digital officer, Nikhil Ravishankar, as its next chief executive. The airline thereby highlights its continuing shift toward a digital transformation. He will replace Greg Foran on October 20, 2025, after the latter’s six-year tenure steering the national carrier through one of the most volatile periods in aviation history.

From fibre optics to flying

Ravishankar’s appointment signals continuity with a tech-forward strategy rather than a return to aviation roots. Like Foran, Ravishankar does not come from an airline background. He joined Air New Zealand five years ago following stints at Telecom New Zealand and consultancy firm Accenture.

As chief digital officer, Ravishankar oversaw a suite of upgrades to the airline’s digital and customer-facing systems, from back-end infrastructure to loyalty and booking platforms. He was behind the introduction of a new elite tier in the airline’s Airpoints frequent flyer program, a clear push to engage high-value customers.

Not afraid to challenge

Air New Zealand chairwoman Dame Therese Walsh says Ravishankar’s appointment reflects the airline’s future-focused ambitions.

“Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, whether that’s climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures or geopolitics,” Walsh said. “Nikhil brings a fresh perspective that is grounded in New Zealand values and a deep knowledge of the airline and critical infrastructure across different sectors. He’s not afraid to challenge how things are done and ask questions.”

Dame Therese Walsh, Air New Zealand chairwoman

Ravishankar’s promotion comes at a time when Air NZ is still catching up from the pandemic-era stagnation with a fleet that has underperformed due to technical issues with both Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

Foran years — a time of turbulent transformation

Greg Foran, previously head of Walmart’s US operations, joined Air New Zealand in February 2020. That was just weeks before COVID-19 closed international borders and brought global air travel to a standstill.

Unlike its trans-Tasman peers, Air New Zealand has not enjoyed the same level of financial windfall following the pandemic. A key reason has been supply-chain constraints and long-running engine issues which have left parts of the fleet grounded. That includes the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines powering its 787 Dreamliners, and Pratt & Whitney issues on A320neo aircraft. Both engine issues have affected reliability and capacity.

Foran still managed to lay the groundwork for the future. Air New Zealand has committed to a complete refurbishment of its long-haul business class cabins. New cabins are expected to debut by the end of 2025. Foran also announced a major rebuild of the Auckland Airport Koru Lounge, with a new Premium facility set to open in late 2027.

2PAXfly Takeout

Ravishankar’s appointment as CEO comes as competition intensifies across the Pacific. Qantas, United, Delta, and Air Canada have all expanded services into and out of Australia and New Zealand.

For Air New Zealand to keep pace means more than just adding flights. It will need to innovate and strive for success across the board, including digital, customer loyalty, and providing world-class ground and in-flight service.

Ravishankar is likely to do what he knows best, and that is to double down on digital tools and tech-led improvements to make Air New Zealand successful. Part of that plan should be to attract premium flyers, especially on routes where customers have more choice than ever.

Whether that vision can lift Air New Zealand’s fortunes in the face of rising costs, aircraft delays, and growing competition remains to be seen.