Shai Wess, Corneel Koster (Virgin Atlantic). Photo: Adam Gerrard The board of Virgin Atlantic announced today (October 13, 2025) a change in the company's leadership.
Shai Weiss, who has served as CEO since 2019, will leave the company on December 31, 2025. He will be succeeded by Corneel Koster, who will take over as CEO on January 1, 2026.
Corneel Koster rejoined the airline in 2019 as a board member and Chief Customer Officer, and expanded his role to Chief Operating Officer and Customer Officer in 2020. In his role, he was responsible for leading service and ground teams, enhancing the customer experience, and driving extensive digital and operational changes. He also led the integration of new A330neo aircraft and was a key player in the company's recovery from the post-pandemic crisis.
Over the last three decades, Koster has held senior management positions in the aviation industry, including at Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico, and KLM. From 2010 to 2013, he was the Head of Operations, Safety, and Security at the company.
Corneel Koster, Chief Operating and Customer Officer and incoming CEO:
"I hold a special place in my heart for Virgin Atlantic, and it is a great honor to lead it. We will always strive to provide our customers with a unique experience, with a smile and the innovative spirit Richard Branson instilled in us from day one."
Virgin Atlantic. Photo: ShutterstockShai Weiss joined Virgin Atlantic in 2014 as CFO and later served as CCO. In 2019, he was appointed CEO and led the company through the COVID pandemic and a complete transformation process that returned it to profitability and record performance in 2024.
Under his leadership, Virgin Atlantic consistently earned recognition as the only British airline with a global five-star rating (APEX) and was ranked number one on Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces list.
Shai Weiss, outgoing CEO of Virgin Atlantic: "I leave Virgin Atlantic with immense pride. Together, we've made the company faster, better, and stronger than ever. I believe Corneel is the right person to lead Virgin into the next stage while maintaining the innovative and human spirit that defines us."
Virgin Atlantic. Photo: ShutterstockIn July 2024, Shai Weiss gave an exclusive interview to PassportNews following the announcement of the codeshare agreement with El-Al: "We are very pleased to take passengers from London to destinations in North America. We wanted to return to Israel earlier, but September is a good time."
However, before September arrived, in April 2025, Virgin dropped a bombshell: the Tel Aviv route was canceled. The company explained that "after thorough evaluation, the company decided to cease its direct flights on the London Heathrow-Tel Aviv route." Weiss responded: "I apologize for not flying to Tel Aviv soon." To this day, this significant route to Israel has not been reinstated.
Shai Weiss, CEO of the company. Photo: Virgin Atlantic PROrganizational leaders extended their congratulations to the departing and incoming CEOs.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic: "Shai has done an extraordinary job over the past seven years. I thank him for the vision, passion, and commitment that have strengthened the company and set a new benchmark in the industry. Corneel embodies the Virgin spirit - bold, curious, and ready to challenge the status quo. We look forward to the exciting next chapter."
Peter Norris, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic: "Over the past seven years, in the face of unprecedented challenges, Shai has steered the company through the pandemic and its aftermath with a steady hand. He led with a commitment to our people, customers, and the communities we serve. We thank him for his contribution and wish Corneel great success in leading the company to the next stage."
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines: "Shai was a valued partner and a true friend in building our leading transatlantic partnership. On behalf of Delta's 100,000 employees across the globe, I thank him for his leadership and friendship. We look forward to continued collaboration under Corneel Koster's leadership."