Airbnb CEO says AI boosts software output 80% and handles half of support tickets, driving strong Q2 growth.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky declared AI the best thing to happen to the company, citing an 80% increase in software shipping and AI handling nearly 45% of customer service tickets. In Q2 2026, Airbnb reported a 16.5% revenue rise to $3.6 billion and a 27.1% net income increase, with margins expanding despite higher AI costs. Chesky also highlighted AI's role in enabling new services like ticket sales and faster growth in hotel bookings. While Airbnb leads peers in growth and margin gains, the sustainability of its AI advantage depends on continued improvements in bookings and conversion rates as competitors adopt similar technologies.