Reflections: August ExportNZ Breakfast with Greg Foran

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran shared valuable insights into the airline's ongoing recovery and strategic outlook with the local export community at a recent ExportNZ Breakfast. 

The ExportNZ Breakfast was held on Wednesday, 7 August at the Commodore Hotel and sponsored by ExportNZ Breakfast Partners: Air New Zealand Cargo, Kuehne + Nagel, Westpac, and Lyttelton Port Company (LPC). Mr Foran was joined by Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty, and General Manager of Cargo Anne Dunne who shared their insights as well.

At the event, Mr Foran provided a clear sense of where Air New Zealand is heading as the airline continues to regain its pre-pandemic momentum, reinforcing the importance of adapting to change while staying true to the core values that drive success. 

Here are some of the highlights -

• Recovery from COVID-19

  After the disruption of the pandemic, Air New Zealand is nearly back to pre-COVID passenger numbers, signalling a strong recovery that bodes well for the broader travel and export sectors. Mr Foran emphasised that while challenges remain, the airline is steadily climbing back to its former levels of operation.

• Digital transformation

  The airline has placed significant emphasis on digital transformation. From enhancing the Air New Zealand app to integrating artificial intelligence into its systems, the airline is on a mission to digitise operations and improve efficiency. This commitment to tech-driven innovation is designed to enhance both customer experience and operational processes across the board.

• Fleet and infrastructure investments

  Looking ahead, Air New Zealand has placed orders for new aircraft and is investing in the construction of state-of-the-art facilities. These infrastructure investments are critical to ensuring the airline’s long-term competitiveness and ability to serve more destinations across the globe.

• Sustainability initiatives

  Air New Zealand is leading the charge in sustainability with ambitious plans for fully electric planes to serve short-haul cargo routes. Mr Foran’s focus on sustainability is a vital part of the airline’s strategy, as they aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future for the aviation industry.

• Industry challenges

  Mr Foran addressed the current bottleneck issues caused by engine supply shortages. These supply chain disruptions have posed significant challenges, but the airline is working diligently to mitigate the impact and ensure smooth operations for their customers.

• Network expansion

  On a brighter note, Air New Zealand is actively evaluating both new destinations and the possibility of returning to previously served markets. This expansion would further strengthen New Zealand’s connections to the world and open up new opportunities for trade and travel.

• Airpoints loyalty programme evolution

  The airline is taking a customer-centric review of its Airpoints loyalty programme, ensuring it continues to offer value and flexibility in an increasingly competitive landscape.

• Faster and more transparent cargo business

  The airline’s cargo operations are also undergoing a transformation, with increased speed to market and enhanced transparency. These improvements are designed to benefit New Zealand exporters and ensure timely deliveries, particularly as global supply chains remain under strain.

• Sustainability targets review

  Mr Foran noted that the company is continually reviewing and adjusting these goals to stay aligned with both industry expectations and global environmental standards.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the event, to our partners who made the event possible, and to Mr Foran for sharing his time and insights. We look forward to seeing you at the next ExportNZ Breakfast on 20 November.