Airbnb: AI Writes 60% of Code, Managerial Revolution Ahead

Airbnb Leverages AI Heavily for Software Development

Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, recently revealed that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the company's technological development. During a financial results call, Chesky stated that AI is responsible for writing 60% of the code produced by Airbnb's engineers. This evolution allows the company's teams to deliver more features and accelerate the pace of iterations.

The Involvement of Managers in Coding

Chesky emphasized the importance of managers becoming more involved in the coding process. He mentioned that design and engineering managers should return to coding or use tools like Claude Code. According to him, there is no longer a place at Airbnb for managers who do not engage in these new practices.

Comparison with Other Companies

Airbnb is not the only company adopting this approach. Shopify's president, Harley Finkelstein, recently indicated that 50% of their company's code is generated by AI. Meanwhile, Google has estimated that this figure reaches 75% for its own operations.

Towards a Flatter Management Structure

Although Chesky did not specify whether these changes would lead to a reduction in managerial positions, he acknowledged that it is still too early to predict the future implications on the organizational structure. This trend is part of a broader movement where companies, supported by advice from firms like McKinsey & Company, are seeking to streamline their operations by reducing the number of hierarchical levels. For example, Coinbase recently announced a 14% reduction in its workforce to simplify its organizational structure.