Air New Zealand’s new CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, has a bold vision for the airline’s future, and it’s intricately tied to the nation’s economic recovery. In a recent interview, Ravishankar, a self-proclaimed “transformation expert” and “systems thinker,” shared his optimism about the airline’s role in kickstarting New Zealand’s recovery amidst a turbulent global market.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Ravishankar believes that Air New Zealand’s success is directly linked to the nation’s economic performance. “Air New Zealand does well when New Zealand does well,” he asserts. This statement might spark a debate among economists and aviation experts, as it challenges the traditional view of airlines as independent entities.
Ravishankar points out that New Zealand’s recovery has been slower than expected, partly due to its small size and the uncertainties of the global trading landscape. He highlights China’s slow recovery and the importance of trading relationships with key partners like the United States.
“The global market is incredibly volatile,” Ravishankar observes. “For a small trading nation like New Zealand, it’s crucial to focus on the bigger picture and our role within the global system.”
And this is the part most people miss: Ravishankar sees new trade relationships, particularly with India, as a critical factor in New Zealand’s future. As someone who grew up in Bengaluru and later immigrated, he brings a unique perspective to the table.
“Forging strong relationships with countries like India is vital for our nation’s growth,” he says. Ravishankar recently met with Trade Minister Todd McClay and Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
“Our pitch to these countries must be clear: New Zealand can serve as a testing ground for Indian businesses to trial their services and products before going global,” he explains.
Ravishankar is optimistic about the recent FTA discussions, believing New Zealand is “potentially moments away” from finalizing an agreement that has been years in the making.
“I’m incredibly optimistic about the progress we’ve made,” he says. “‘Moments’ in the world of FTAs could mean a long time, but I’m not one to predict timelines.”
When it comes to balancing commercial returns with the airline’s role as a national carrier, Ravishankar rejects the idea of choosing between profit and public service.
“We can achieve great commercial outcomes while also being an integral part of New Zealand’s critical infrastructure,” he argues. “If we approach this problem with the right mindset, we can have it all.”
So, what do you think? Is Ravishankar’s vision for Air New Zealand’s future too ambitious, or is it a necessary step for the nation’s economic growth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!