Virgin Atlantic’s leadership board has appointed Corneel Koster as the airline’s new CEO.
Koster –who served as the board’s chief customer and operating officer for the British carrier– will succeed Shai Weiss as CEO starting on Jan. 1, 2026. Weiss will leave the company after a seven-year tenure on Dec. 31, 2025.
According to a news release from Virgin Atlantic, Koster “has been instrumental in running a safe and reliable operation” since rejoining Virgin’s board in 2019.
“As part of the leadership team, he played a pivotal role ensuring the airline emerged from the pandemic thriving and reliable, while leading the introduction of the airline’s award-winning A330neo aircraft and delivering digital operational transformation,” the release stated.
Koster has held senior and commercial roles at Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Aeromexico, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines over his 30-year career.
His predecessor became CEO in 2019 and led the company during the chaotic COVID-19 pandemic. Weiss was credited with leading customer satisfaction and helping the airline return to profitability during his tenure.
“Shai has done an outstanding job over the past seven years,” said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, in the release. “I’m grateful for his vision, passion and commitment to creating brilliant experiences that have made the airline stronger and raised the bar across the industry. I’m delighted to welcome Corneel as CEO. He embodies the Virgin spirit – bold, curious and ready to shake up the status quo. We look forward to this exciting new chapter.”
Weiss congratulated Koster on his appointment, saying he could “think of no one better to take over” the position.
“I leave Virgin Atlantic full of pride, knowing I have played a part in its bright red history,” he said. “Together, we’ve transformed through the pandemic and emerged faster, better and stronger than ever. We are now well on our way to achieving our mission of becoming the most loved travel company, having laid the foundations for a world of exciting opportunities as a premium flag carrier.”
