Q+A with Jack Tame Nikhil Ravishankar: How Air New Zealand can navigate volatile world
Nov 8, 2025
Nikhil Ravishankar, the newly appointed CEO of Air New Zealand, brings a tech and transformation background to the aviation sector. He discusses the critical link between Air NZ and New Zealand’s economy, highlighting strategies for recovery post-COVID. The conversation dives into the role of AI in the airline industry, its societal implications, and how it can enhance tourism. Nikhil also shares insights on his bicultural background and the importance of innovation and diversity in leadership, providing a fresh perspective on navigating a volatile world.
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Transformation Leadership For Volatility
- Nikhil Ravishankar frames himself as a transformation expert and systems thinker suited to lead in a volatile world.
- He argues that a leadership toolkit focused on complexity and systems will help steer Air New Zealand through uncertainty.
Air NZ Tied To National Economy
- Ravishankar says Air New Zealand's fortunes are inextricably linked to New Zealand's economic performance.
- He emphasises operating within a volatile global market and watching macro conditions, not just domestic signals.
Global Partners Shape Recovery Pace
- He highlights New Zealand's subscale market and strained global trading relationships as reasons for a slower post-COVID recovery.
- He points to China and stressed partners as key external factors affecting recovery timelines.