Air New Zealand names Indian-origin Nikhil Ravishankar as CEO
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New Delhi: India-origin Nikhil Ravishankar is set to become the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand from 20 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in his nearly five-year journey with the airline. Currently serving as the carrier’s Chief Digital Officer, Ravishankar has played a pivotal role in modernising Air New Zealand’s technology systems, enhancing its loyalty programme, and improving the overall customer experience.
In an official statement released on July 30, the airline highlighted Ravishankar’s extensive knowledge of the aviation sector and familiarity with Air New Zealand’s operations. Before joining the airline, he held key leadership roles, including Chief Digital Officer at energy company Vector and Managing Director at global consulting firm Accenture.
Expressing his gratitude, Ravishankar said, “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.”
Air New Zealand operates more than 400 flights daily, covering 49 domestic and international destinations. Its fleet comprises over 100 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787s, Airbus A320s, ATRs, and Q300s.
Interestingly, Air India’s current CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, hails from New Zealand, highlighting a unique cross-national leadership exchange between the two carriers.
In March this year, Air New Zealand and Air India announced plans to explore the launch of a direct flight service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to aircraft availability and regulatory approvals. The two airlines also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
As part of their collaboration, Air India and Air New Zealand have established a new codeshare agreement across 16 routes connecting India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Passengers can now travel from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai on Air India flights and seamlessly connect via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to Air New Zealand-operated services to destinations including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.
With PTI inputs
