Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran to quit as airline industry faces tough challenge

Greg Foran will step down in October 2025 after five years leading the airline through a turbulent period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing engine maintenance challenges. The airline has started the search for his replacement.

Foran, a former Walmart executive, joined Air New Zealand just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. He steered the company through border closures, component shortages, and the grounding of aircraft. He also oversaw a retrofit programme for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, which is expected to be completed by end 2025.

Foran’s departure comes as the airline grapples with a complex operating environment, including intense competition from Australian rivals Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, and the impact of New Zealand's relatively small domestic market. The airline's recent financial performance reflects these challenges, with an 18% drop in first-half profit reported in February 2025.

This decline was attributed to global engine maintenance issues affecting both its Airbus Neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets. These aircraft use engines from Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, both of which have experienced supply chain delays.

Air New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh praised Foran’s leadership. She acknowledged the impact of ongoing operational disruptions. Walsh stated, «While these challenges impact our operations almost daily, Greg's relentless focus and global profile have been instrumental in mitigating the consequential disruptions on our