DALLAS — Greg Foran will step down as the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand (NZ) in October 2025 after steering the airline through some severe turbulence. 

The carrier is now undertaking a global search for its CEO successor as it deals with supply chain disruptions, engine maintenance problems, and intense regional rivalry.

Foran, who took the helm in February 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic halted global travel, guided the airline through border closures before rebuilding its network as restrictions eased.

However, the airline continues to face significant operational challenges due to global engine maintenance backlogs affecting its Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus A320neo family jets and Rolls-Royce-equipped Boeing 787 Dreamliners, resulting in grounded aircraft and service disruptions.

Continuing Operational Difficulties

The carrier faces intense competition in the trans-Tasman and South Pacific markets from Qantas (QF) and Virgin Australia (VA), which have pursued aggressive expansion strategies.

In February 2025, it reported an 18% decline in first-half profit, highlighting the financial fallout from the abovementioned delays. At various points, up to 11 aircraft were simultaneously grounded due to component shortages, forcing the airline to reduce frequencies and reschedule services across its network.

Under Foran's leadership, NZ launched a comprehensive Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet retrofit program, expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The program will enhance passenger comfort while improving fuel efficiency and operational reliability.

Praise for Foran’s Leadership

Ait New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh paid tribute to Foran's contributions, noting his strategic vision and leadership during unprecedented industry disruption.

“Though these challenges affect our operations approximately every day, Greg’s unflagging attention and profile across the globe have been critical in avoiding the consequential disruption to our customers,” Walsh said.

Despite the challenges, Foran managed to set NZ up well to recover long-term, leading moves to enhance the carrier’s network, steady fleet reliability, and lift operational resilience.

Search for a Successor

The airline is conducting a global executive search for a new chief executive to replace Foran. The airline has not indicated a timeline for announcing the successor. Still, industry observers expect that Foran’s replacement will be an outside hire or an internal promotion ahead of Foran’s exit in October 2025.

Faced with systems challenges, NZ’s next CEO must concentrate on fleet modernization, cost efficiency, and network expansion during ongoing uncertainty in the global aviation supply chain.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Stability

As NZ approaches a Change of Government, the airline's fires are burning hot on a few key areas:

•  Fleet Modernization: Continue the Dreamliner cabin retrofit and plot long-term fleet renewal for continued efficiency.
• Operational Resilience: Continue focusing on mitigating existing engine maintenance delays and cooperating with manufacturers to ensure spare parts availability.
• Network Growth: Adding new long-haul flights and strengthening its South Pacific and Asia-Pacific position.
• Customer Experience Enhancement: Enhancing inflight service and services offered in transit for business and leisure travelers.

Foran’s exit is pivotal for New Zealand’s flag carrier as it grapples with post-pandemic recovery, persistent supply chain pressures, and deepening competition. 

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