Greg Foran of Air NZ participates in company's volunteering scheme
The CEO of Air New Zealand has been seen clearing up bags and luggage at the Auckland International Airport amid recent reports of delayed and missing baggage at the terminal.
Greg Foran and other Air NZ executives were photographed helping with the handling of baggage during the busy summer season at the airport.
A representative from Air New Zealand confirmed that the leaders’ presence at the airport was a part of a volunteering scheme that the airline implements during the peak travel season.
"Teams have been hitting the ground since mid-December and will continue to help out during January,” the airline confirmed to the New Zealand Herald.
Foran was also spotted helping out in another role when he handed out water bottles on a plane and assisted flight passengers.
Back in 2020, Air NZ employees complained after CEO Greg Foran was issued more than $2 million worth of share options.
Baggage handling fiasco
The CEO's appearance at the Auckland airport arrived amid reports of mishandled and delayed backlogs at the terminal.
A photo captured by National MP Shane Reti revealed mountains of baggage mounted on trolleys or on top of each other at an arrival hall.
"Most of the businesses and organisations at the airport are still struggling to fill vacant roles and uptick in COVID case numbers isn't helping. Our teams are all working really hard to get people where they need to be this summer holiday, but there are times when there may be delays and queues," said Scott Tasker, general manager customer and aeronautical commercial at Auckland Airport, back in December.
Reti said that he penned an open letter to Air New Zealand and Auckland airport regarding the delays and handling of the baggage.
"People understand workforce shortages and public holidays but there are still things that can be done better especially around communication," Reti said in the letter.
