Flag-carrier airline of New Zealand
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Is it death by a thousand flight cuts? Air New Zealand's trimming its schedule again as the jet fuel crisis bites. Earlier this month, the airline revealed it was cutting five percent of its flights. Now it's nibbling at its schedule from August to October. The national carrier won't provide specifics but said less than two percent of customers travelling during this time will be affected, and the majority can still fly the same day. New Zealand Airports Association CEO Billie Moore spoke to Lisa Owen.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar on a turbulent moment to be at the controls of the national carrier.
A landmark moment, that's how Christchurch Airport is describing the launch of three new direct international flights from the city. Air New Zealand announced the new routes from Christchurch to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth at tourism event TRENZ in Auckland this morning. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.
On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 20th of May 2026, Air NZ expands services from Christchurch - how good! And, a senior public servant missing out on a top job after an anonymous tipster reveals their prior cocaine use prompted some great conversation with the Afternoons audience. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
00.00 Intro 02.40: Landlocked Shark attack 10.00: Fletch was right 14.25: SLP - Soup or Stew 19.30: After Pay late fees 22.40: Top 6 - Things you'll see on the new Air NZ menu 28.30: The best tap water in NZ 31.30: The 7 rules of gossiping 35.15: What was your parents rouge social media move? 45.20: FVH Live 49.36: Finders Fee 53.40: Fact of the day 58.40: Ethically Grey... 1.09.45: Harry Styles tour has started 1.12.30: What was your embarrassing crush? 1.21.30: Not enough for the News News See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air New Zealand's woes are expected to last for as long as the war in Iran continues. The national carrier's revealed its looking at staff redundancies and more flight reductions due to the surging cost of jet fuel. It's now forecasting a full-year pre-tax loss of up to $390 million. Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking run rates won't get worse, but fluctuating jet fuel prices will keep weighing on the airline's financial results. He says fuel dropping from $200 to $150 is helpful, but it's not down enough considering normal prices are around $85. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 15th of May, all eyes are on the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, and Nikhil Ravishankar discusses a shocking forecast for Air NZ. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie gives his first one-on-one interview since taking up the role. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk gifts and an anniversary for one of the team as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Friday huddle, pep talk time. New Zealand, we're going to need our number-8 wire, positive, can-do, problem solver attitude now more than ever. Air New Zealand's in the doldrums, Trump's at war in the Middle East, oil's chocked up, Xi's talking about Taiwan again. And for some perspective, if Taiwan kicks off, which some in the intelligence community reckon could happen as early as next year, then things will change pretty quickly. The world could be held to ransom over semi-conductors, not oil. Global GDP could drop 5% - that's Covid-era/GFC level stuff. For us, some sort of quarantine or blockade would be very bad. China's our number one trading partner - 20-25% of our exports, and we're an export nation. If they do what everyone expects they will do then there'd be Western sanctions. What happens to our goods when there's sanctions? The tap gets turned off. Or we turn a blind eye, and that's not likely. When I lived in Beijing, Taiwan was a constant topic of conversation, along with Hong Kong, because they're very important to the Chinese. Not just for historical reasons, but strategic. Their entire eastern seaboard is key to their economic success. It's within spitting distance of Beijing (political centre), Shanghai (commercial centre), and manufacturing and heavy industry port cities. Across the Pacific? America. So, any buffer's a good buffer. This is not to say we should freak out, but that we should be prepared and stay positive. Greg Foran had Covid at Air New Zealand. Nikhil Ravishankar's got a jet fuel crisis. The next guy will have something else. The hits won't stop coming. The world is smaller and dependent on each other via global trade. That means a cough in Taiwan means a cold in Southland, New Zealand. The best we can do is diversify, back ourselves, and stay positive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air New Zealand's cutting another set of flights on top of its already stretched network. On top of cancellations across May and June announced last month, the airline's now axing further flights across July, citing rising jet fuel costs. It says this will impact around 2% of passengers travelling nationwide. Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Mike Hosking when you break down this number regionally, it could be up to 20% of seats being cut in some places. She says it'll be broader than just Nelson and Tauranga and will be a case of piecing all the cuts together. Moore told Hosking it's hurting a bit more over here as the network had been shrinking already. She says most countries have been growing their networks while ours has been declining, so it's cuts on top of cuts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An aviation shake-up will modernise rules dating back about 20 years. The Government has announced a major overhaul of the Civil Aviation Authority. The reforms will also update pilot training and licensing to create clearer, more flexible pathways. Industry Association Chief Executive Simon Wallace told Ryan Bridge historically, the Authority hasn't moved at pace. He says certifications and approvals have been slow, at a cost to business. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A fuel squeeze is driving higher airfares and stronger demand for Air New Zealand, particularly on international routes. Long-haul fares have jumped 25% over the past year, trans-Tasman 20%, and domestic flights 10%. Jet fuel stocks have climbed to 51.4 days, according to the latest figures. Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking long-haul is 'a double-edged sword' – costly in fuel but buoyed by rising demand, with New Zealand being one of the safer passages available. He says that's why they're being careful about how much long haul flying they consolidate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 21st of April, BNZ's Chief Economist looks ahead to the inflation data set to be released this morning, and Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar discusses the latest on jet fuel stocks and price increases. Buckle up – Mike names the five National MPs seemingly behind the discontent within the party. Kiwi actor Karl Urban discusses the final season of The Boys and expresses his love for Mike watching the Warriors. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 15th of April, how come people can still smuggle stuff into prisons? Then, tips and tricks for jobseekers on securing a job with employment expert Emma McLean And to finish - Air NZ is launching world-first economy bunks on ultra long-haul flights Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join host Paul Spain and Nilay Rathod (Spark) as they explore this week's tech stories including Scentian Bio's $7m Boost, Lanaco's wool-based space filtration on Artemis II, Air NZ to expand digital ID trials, Anthropic's Project Glasswing, China's supercomputer breach and Amazon Leo launch updates. Plus, Nilay discusses how Spark's collaboration with Starlink is revolutionising connectivity, the impacts of shutting down 3G, the role of AI in business transformation and cybersecurity and what's next for Spark.Thanks to our Partners Spark New Zealand, One NZ, Workday, 2degrees, Fortinet and Gorilla Technology
Air New Zealand is cancelling 1100 - affecting 44,000 passengers throughout the country over the next two months. Nelson is one city where some flights will be cancelled, its mayor Nick Smith spoke to Corin Dann.
Air New Zealand has ruled out entirely cutting routes, as it faces huge cost pressures over jet fuel.CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said the airline would focus on trimming off-peak flights and reducing frequency, but he couldn't say which regions would be most impacted. New Plymouth mayor Max Brough spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Air New Zealand's facing more massive cost pressures, with the conflict in the Middle East increasing the price of jet fuel. Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 12th of March, the Government is offering a pay rise to non-union primary teachers as the union's negotiations continue. Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar discussed the price hikes and how long they'll last, fuel issues, and whether the airline is panicking or not. Kiwi shot-putter Tom Walsh is back after dominating the summer circuit in New Zealand and talks his KPIs and prep ahead of the Diamond League season and the Commonwealth Games. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some regional mayors are worried Air New Zealand's financial troubles could see flights to their cities facing the chop. New Plymouth District Council mayor Max Brough spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of March, we dig into the findings of the Covid Inquiry, and look at just how long Air NZ's prices will be raised, considering fuel prices have mostly been corrected. Former Covid Minister Chris Hipkins explains his position on the inquiry. And on Politics Wednesday, Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell talk the Covid inquiry and Mark's house in Bali – you'll never believe what he paid for it. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest on financial market volatility on the back of spiking oil prices as Air New Zealand suspends its earning guidance. Business commentator, NBR journalist Nicholas Pointon, also discusses Forsyth Barr's commentary it is the best reporting season since 2022.
Our national carrier is flying through turbulent skies, with grounded planes, global conflict, and growing criticism from politicians and passengers Air New Zealand is struggling in a booming aviation market, and new fears the war in Iran raise fuel costs and questions over whether the national carrier can regain altitudeFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Air New Zealand's reset just got a lot more urgent. Things could deteriorate faster for the airline amid instability in the Middle East. Morningstar Research is now forecasting a $125 million pre-tax loss this year following a $59 million loss in the first half of the year. Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking there's little disagreement that the second half of the year will be similar or worse, the concerning aspect is how bad it could be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd of March, we get the latest on the war in Iran plus what it could mean for petrol prices back here in NZ. The Prime Minister is in and gives his thoughts on the legalities of the strike, airport charges the highest in the world at Auckland and the Air NZ result. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the NZ Open, the first race of the Indycar season and whether it's the Warriors year as they have their first game this weekend. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We discuss the latest developments in education, as child poverty increases and government attacks rough sleepers with 'move on orders'. Debate over ownership of Air NZ shows again that we refuse to learn from the past. There is a plan to share biometric data with the US, and finally some good news out of the UK as their left populist Greens win their first byelection.This episode's co-hostsPhilip, Pmax, Ginny, JohnTimestamps0:00 Opening / Introductions3:25 Education NZ26:37 Move On Orders41:04 Air NZ Shares49:19 Biometric Data57:44 The UK Report1:12:38 ClosingsIntro/Outro by The Prophet MotiveSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/1of200
Are we holding Kiwi farmers to gold-plated standards while waving cheap imports straight through the border? This week we take on what Duncan calls the double standard threatening to force local producers out of business. From pork and eggs to animal welfare rules, farmers say they're being hammered at home while competing against products made under standards we've already banned. Then it's politics. Ani O'Brien and Maurice Williamson join us to dissect Chris Hipkins' “state of the nation” speech, the cost of living reality facing households, and whether voters are actually feeling any economic bounce. We also get into billion-dollar power company profits, Air New Zealand's big loss, and whether selling it is the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Air New Zealand could be in for a hard landing, as the CEO carries out a strategic review in the face of rising costs and falling profits. The national carrier posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. That's compared to a $106 million profit for the same period the year before. It is still blaming severe disruption caused by delays to unscheduled engine maintenance grounding up to eight planes, plus fuel and operating costs. Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Lisa Owen.
Winston Peters responds to David Seymour's calls for the government to sell its shares in Air New Zealand. He spoke to Corin Dann.
The asset sale discussion is rearing its head, with the ACT leader asking whether Air New Zealand should be owned by the government. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports.
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has renewed his call for the government to sell its shares in the Air New Zealand arguing that owning the airline does not represent good value for taxpayers Today the national carrier reported a loss before tax of $59 million for the first half of the 2026 financial year. To explain the challenges the airline, and the aviation industry more broadly is facing, aviation commentator Irene King is with Jesse.
There is no doubt that Air New Zealand has issues. In a week of company reports, the vast majority contained good news. Air New Zealand was a glaring exception. A national airline losing money in an industry that is booming doesn't make sense. They have engine issues – that is real and it's not over. They have eight grounded planes and planes that don't fly don't make money. They have issues getting planes, but that has been applicable to everyone. So it's a perfect storm of sorts. But if you read the report the engine compensation was $55 million, but the bottom line would have been $90 million if the engines were on the plane. But add $90 million to the loss and you still aren't making a lot of profit. They blame domestic demand, or lack of it. They blame increased charges and they are real. The cost-plus-accounting of landing charges and so on is not only material, but criminal, and the Government as a main shareholder needs to do more. Then enter David Seymour in election year who says we should sell the thing. "Go woke, go broke" and "they are too politically motivated," says Seymour. Seymour is wrong. We need a national airline. Just imagine the sale to a private operator and the thing tanks. A country needs an air network and Jetstar isn't it. The Government has saved Air New Zealand before, they could do it again as a country with no airline is not a country. But that doesn't mean Seymour is completely wrong; Air New Zealand is woke and it does have reputational issues. It has focused on uniforms and departure videos to a degree that is laughable. The great airlines like Emirates, Singapore, and Qatar have ordinary uniforms and ordinary videos, but world class product and a shedload of profit. That is where Air New Zealand is badly missing. Too often they charge first-world prices for budget services and domestically the services are not reliable enough. There is a line between their genuine issues and their brand issues. They do have problems, but they also don't look like all they could be and haven't for years. Some of it is a small country with a small population. Some of it is too much purple and too much PR around Cassava crisps and $800 flights to small towns. The CEO has a hell of a job. The turnaround, they say, is coming. If you read this week's report, I don't see it yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air New Zealand is fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing local costs its international competitors avoid. The national airline's announced a $40 million half-year loss. The new Chief Executive says airlines are a cyclical business, and New Zealand is disproportionately exposed to local inflation. Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking some of the other airlines making more money are the ones that have recently gone through a downturn. He says it's partly nature of the business, but there are also things we're exposed to locally that some of our competitors aren't. They've also been struggling with aircraft being grounded due to global engine issues, a slower than expected recovery, and rising costs. Ravishankar told Hosking he took on a business grappling with a post-Covid rebuild. He says up until now, they've been playing not to lose, but now they're building a business that can play to win. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of February, there's a material drop in the number of victims of violent crime – Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses. Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar discusses their half-year financial loss in a world of airlines making huge profits. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk speeding tickets by the kids and Sam's final bill for the dinner at Cibo as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. New Zealand: 8/10 It really has been quite the week. From the dairy to the spending, the turnaround, without question, is real. The confidence is up and the roll could be close to being on. Kiwifruit: 9/10 The forecast and plan released this week is a good example of how you think big when you are bullish. Mitch Barnett: 4/10 We wish him well, obviously, but the geography of the Warriors cannot be escaped. And we get a swap. And more importantly, this is our year. Air New Zealand: 3/10 In an industry awash with profit, they still can't find one. Cash: 7/10 The banks are, rightly or wrongly, out of step with this one. We like cash. We may not use it all that often, but enough do. Reserve bank - 1. Retail banks - 0. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thousands of travellers on Air New Zealand international flights could be affected by industrial action this week. Air New Zealand's Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Jeremy O'Brien spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Thousands of Air New Zealand customers are being warned to be prepared as the airline braces for an upcoming strike. The airline has been forced to make schedule changes and 44 flights have been cancelled ahead of the industrial action planned for February 12 and 13. Air NZ Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the airline will be ensuring that the impact on customers will be as minimal as possible. "If you do need to change plans and you do incur reasonable costs for transport, accommodation, meals - the customer should look to have those reimbursed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Foran has led at a level very few people ever will.From running Walmart US - a business with over a million employees - to serving as CEO of Air New Zealand through some of its most challenging years, Greg has made decisions where the consequences affected millions of people.In this conversation, Greg takes us inside what that responsibility actually feels like. We talk about making calls that wipe billions off company value, leading through crisis and chaos, operating in China when the rulebook doesn't apply, and why losing the top job earlier in his career ended up changing everything.We also dive into his mindset: fear of failure, discipline, curiosity, people-first leadership, and why paying and trusting frontline workers matters more than most executives realise.This is a rare, honest look at leadership when the stakes are real - and when getting it wrong isn't an option.This episode is a re-release of our conversation with Greg Foran from 2025.This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on! Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Everything to keep you guys safe": New CEO of Air NZ comments on mass cancellations In the North Island, Red Wind Warnings are in place for Wellington and southern Wairarapa. There are extensive public transport and flight cancellations. Air New Zealand says it's already cancelled almost 100 flights today. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says told Mike Hosking that it will only operate flights if it's safe to do so. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last month Air New Zealand flight 946 from Auckland to Rarotonga got all the way to its island destination but could not land despite best efforts because of strong cross winds. Instead it had to head back to Auckland. Passengers on board got an email that the flight was being diverted due to weather, outlining compensation for some transit customers for accommodation and meals. British-American traveller Karen Chapman was on the flight but says Air New Zealand declined to reimburse her costs. Karen spoke to Lisa Owen.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast with Heather du Plessis-Allan Full Show Podcast for Friday the 12th of December, Primary Principals have turned down the latest pay offer from the Government, saying it doesn't acknowledge their workload. It's been revealed that water infrastructure is going to cost $9 billion more than originally expected after every council submitted their plan for Local Water Done Well. Tim Wilson and Kerre Woodham talked AI, Air NZ, and the Willis v Richardson debate as they Wrapped the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday has come and Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Kerre Woodham and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed Air New Zealand's new safety video, the Willis v Richardson debate, the quote of the year, and artificial intelligence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
$165 million of Air New Zealand COVID credits are set to expire in just a few weeks. Travel Agents' Association of New Zealand chief executive Julie White spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Holidaymakers travelling with Air New Zealand in the lead-up to Christmas could find themselves caught out by cabin-crew strikes, despite Monday's planned industrial action being called off. E tu National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Destination Queenstown says a 9% boost in flights to the region is good news for the whole country. Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism CEO, Mat Woods spoke to Corin Dann.
The latest in the Du Val saga as former employees speak out. There's an election at Fonterra with three well known candidates putting their hands up. And the new Air NZ chief executive is off to a rocky start.
More than 2000 Air New Zealand flight attendants will walk off the job on December 8, after failing to reach agreement over pay and conditions. The president of the Flight Attendants Association of NZ, Craig Featherby spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand staff going on strike could have a severe impact throughout Oceania. Irene King spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.
Air New Zealand is considering banning portable power banks on flights, after a string of fires linked to the devices. Pilot and aviation commentator Vaughn Davis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Air New Zealand cabin crews could walk off the job next month over stalled pay negotiations, threatening summer travel plans. While the union has ruled out any action the week before Christmas, it will be before the end of the year, unless a deal is reached. Mary Argue reports.
The new chief executive of Air New Zealand has suggested what he's calling a "situational subsidy" to support regional routes when the economy is not doing well and demand is low. Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.