July 30 (Reuters) - Air New Zealand ( ANZFF ) on

Wednesday named Nikhil Ravishankar as its next chief executive,

replacing outgoing CEO Greg Foran, as the airline contends with

deepening supply chain and engine disruptions that are expected

to weigh on earnings through 2025.

Foran, who joined the airline just as the COVID-19 pandemic

loomed, announced his resignation earlier this year, and would

be leaving in October. The flag carrier continues to grapple

with global supply chain disruptions and persistent engine

maintenance issues.

Ravishankar, who has served as Air New Zealand's ( ANZFF ) chief

digital officer for nearly four years, will assume the top job

on October 20. Prior to joining the airline, he held leadership

roles at Vector and consulting firm Accenture ( ACN ), where he

was managing director.

"Airlines will continue to face immense challenges, whether

that's climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost

pressures or geopolitics," said Chair Dame Therese Walsh.

"Nikhil brings a fresh perspective that is grounded in New

Zealand values and a deep knowledge of the airline and critical

infrastructure across different sectors."

Air New Zealand's ( ANZFF ) struggles have been compounded by a

relatively small domestic market and fierce competition from

Australian carriers Qantas Airways ( QUBSF ) and Virgin Australia

. It has also seen delayed plane deliveries and several

jets being grounded.

Foran, a former Walmart executive, has led the Kiwi

flag carrier through a turbulent period, with the airline facing

unique hurdles compared to its global peers, partly due to its

geographic isolation.

The carrier had earlier flagged that up to 11 of its

aircraft would remain grounded at times in the second half of

fiscal 2025, which would bite into the firm's earnings.

The company is also expecting lower earnings in 2025, citing

uncertainty around global engine maintenance delays and related

compensation levels.