There’s a belief outgoing Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran's lack of aviation experience may have hurt his career. 

He's announced he'll leave the company in October. 

Foran's told his board the time's right to step down, and the airline is well set up for the future. 

Forsyth Barr head of research, Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking Foran's had to deal with Covid, a national recession, and engine maintenance issues throughout his tenure. 

He says it's also been the biggest period of inflation seen in a generation, which added up, has been pretty challenging. 

The company will also have little trouble finding a new CEO. 

Bowley told Hosking the company has a history of attracting talented people for the role from around the world. 

He says they're typically Kiwis, who have learnt their trade offshore. 

The CEO before Foran was none other than now Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 

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