Startup Originals Team
In a significant leadership move, Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Indian-origin executive Nikhil Ravishankar as its new CEO. This decision comes as the airline looks toward fresh strategic growth and digital transformation, leveraging Ravishankar’s deep expertise in technology and aviation.
Nikhil Ravishankar’s Background and Experience:
Nikhil Ravishankar has been a part of Air New Zealand for almost five years, serving most recently as the airline’s Chief Digital Officer. In this role, he played a pivotal part in strengthening the airline’s technology systems, improving its loyalty program, and enhancing overall customer experience. His career also includes key leadership positions as Chief Digital Officer at Vector and Managing Director at Accenture, where he honed his skills in digital transformation and large-scale management.
Official Transition and Leadership Outlook:
Nikhil Ravishankar will officially take on the role of CEO from October 20, 2025. Reflecting on his appointment, Ravishankar expressed both excitement and humility:
“I’m both thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to lead Air New Zealand… Airlines are complex, and safety underpins every decision we make.”
Under his leadership, expectations are high for continued innovation and customer-focused growth at the airline.
Air New Zealand in Numbers:
Air New Zealand is a major player in the aviation sector, operating over 400 flights each day to 49 domestic and international destinations. Its robust fleet comprises more than 100 aircraft, including models such as Boeing 777s, 787s, Airbus 320s, ATRs, and Q300s. With this extensive network and capacity, the airline is well-positioned for expansion and to capitalize on travel demand across the globe.
Strengthening India-New Zealand Ties:
Interestingly, the CEO of Air India, Campbell Wilson, hails from New Zealand-a fact that underscores the growing ties between the two nations’ airline industries. In March this year, Air New Zealand and Air India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost air connectivity between their countries. The partnership covers codesharing arrangements on 16 routes across India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. There are also ambitions to introduce a direct flight service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, pending regulatory approvals and new aircraft deliveries.
With these collaborative efforts, travelers will soon enjoy seamless connectivity from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai to popular New Zealand destinations like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown-via transit points in Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
Nikhil Ravishankar’s appointment as CEO of Air New Zealand marks not only a personal milestone but also a strategic inflection point for the airline. As global aviation evolves and India-New Zealand relations grow, industry-watchers will be looking for the positive changes and new connections that his leadership will bring in the years ahead.
