Air New Zealand honours two decades of leadership

In what has been a special week for the airline, the new state-of-the-art hangar was opened by the Prime Minister and former Air New Zealand Chief Executive, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and a few days later, the site was used to celebrate outgoing Chief Executive Greg Foran's six-year tenure. 

The events provided an opportunity for a historic gathering of five Air New Zealand leaders spanning more than two decades of stewardship. Former Chief Executives Sir Ralph Norris, Rob Fyfe CNZM, and incoming Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar joined Greg Foran and the Prime Minister to reflect on the airline's 85-year history, their own time at the airline's helm, and their aspirations for Air New Zealand's future.  

Air New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh noted how important strong leadership has been in shaping the airline's success.  

"We are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of each of these incredible leaders to our national carrier. It's also a moment to celebrate the shared vision, ambition, and commitment of each of these leaders and the impact they have had on Air New Zealand and New Zealand through decades of change, challenge, and innovation." 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran highlighted the significance of the week.  

"In aviation, legacy matters. The decisions we make today often shape the airline for many years to come.  The new hangar opened last week had its inception during Prime Minister Luxon's leadership of the airline.  During my time as Chief Executive, I have been incredibly grateful for the decisions made over many years and for the long history of care for our people, our culture and for what we stand for as an airline."  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said,"The new hangar which was announced in 2019 represents the very best of Kiwi ingenuity and innovation. I know firsthand the professionalism and pride Air New Zealand and its people take in connecting New Zealand to the world, and this development helps them do exactly that. Economic growth is key to our prosperity and Air New Zealand's role in tourism and trade is a critical part of the Government's plan to double export earnings by 2034."

Sir Ralph Norris, reflecting on the future notes, "The airline's role is not just to connect New Zealanders from A to B. It's to connect us to each other, and to show the world who we are.  The challenges of the future, whether they are economic or technological will demand the same grit and ingenuity that Air New Zealanders have shown over the past 85 years.  It's how we are made, and it's what we are known for."  

Rob Fyfe, who led the airline from 2005 to 2012, acknowledged the importance of the airline's people.  

"I've always been of the view that at its core Air New Zealand is a people business. As an industry we operate similar aircraft but for Air New Zealand it's our people, our Air New Zealanders, that give us our competitive edge, no one can replicate that.  For me leading Air New Zealand was more than just leading an airline. It was a reflection of New Zealand's spirit; our sense of identity, our innovation, our heart, our humour and our deep sense of pride in our nation."   

Incoming Air New Zealand CEO and current Chief Digital Officer, Nikhil Ravishankar, reflected on the moment and the history he will be contributing to.  

"I feel deeply humbled to be entrusted with the leadership of our national carrier. Standing alongside the leaders who have each left an enduring mark on Air New Zealand is both inspiring and grounding. I am committed to building on their legacy as we enter a new chapter, and to ensuring the airline continues to thrive for our people, our customers and for New Zealand." 

Notes to Editors – Air New Zealand's Chief Executive tenure: 

Sir Ralph Norris – 2002-2005 

Rob Fyfe CNZM – 2005-2012 

Christopher Luxon – 2012-2019 

Greg Foran – 2020-2025 

Nikhil Ravishankar – from October 2025