Beyond the Code: Air New Zealand CEO Grounds AI Enthusiasm with Economic Reality

Skift Travel · 2026-06-19
Beyond the Code: Air New Zealand CEO Grounds AI Enthusiasm with Economic Reality

In an era where industries, including aviation, are rapidly adopting and strategizing around artificial intelligence, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran offers a refreshingly pragmatic perspective. While many foresee transformative efficiency and growth through AI, Foran emphasizes that AI's immediate impact will not resolve the airline's most pressing economic challenges. His stance grounds the widespread enthusiasm for AI within the aviation sector, reminding stakeholders that fundamental economic realities must be addressed before AI can deliver significant bottom-line improvements. This viewpoint serves as a crucial dose of realism against the prevalent technological hype, acknowledging AI's potential but prioritizing current financial headwinds.