Airbnb CEO Says AI Now Writes 60% of the Company’s Code
Brian Chesky says AI is dramatically speeding up Airbnb’s software development, allowing teams to build and launch products faster while changing how employees work.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says artificial intelligence has become deeply integrated into the company’s software-development process, with AI now responsible for writing around 60% of the code produced by its engineers. Chesky says the technology is allowing Airbnb to move faster, shorten development cycles and build more software without having to dramatically expand its engineering workforce.
The impact extends beyond simply generating lines of code. Airbnb is using AI to help engineers develop new features, work with API partners and accelerate the process of turning ideas into finished products. The company has said AI has significantly reduced the time between developing a product concept and shipping it, giving its teams greater capacity to experiment and iterate.
Chesky also believes AI is changing what managers and company leaders need to understand about their jobs. Rather than completely stepping away from technical work, managers are increasingly expected to understand how AI tools function and how they can be incorporated into everyday workflows. Chesky argues that maintaining a hands-on approach helps leaders stay close to the products and teams they are responsible for.
Airbnb is also expanding AI beyond software engineering. The company has been using AI in customer support, where its systems can now resolve a substantial share of customer issues without human intervention. It is also experimenting with AI-powered search and other product features as the company looks for ways to make travel planning and its overall platform more useful.
Chesky’s comments highlight a broader transformation taking place across the technology industry. AI is increasingly becoming part of the basic infrastructure companies use to develop products, support customers and operate their businesses. For Airbnb, the goal is not simply to replace human workers with AI, but to give employees greater leverage so smaller teams can accomplish more. As AI capabilities continue improving, companies that successfully combine human judgment with AI-powered productivity could gain a significant advantage in how quickly they innovate.
