UK-based carrier Virgin Atlantic has announced that Corneel Koster will take over as CEO from Shai Weiss from the start of 2026.
The airline said that Koster, who is currently Virgin Atlantic’s chief customer and operating officer, will succeed Weiss on 1 January.
Weiss, who has been Virgin Atlantic’s CEO since early 2019, led the carrier through the Covid-19 pandemic and back to profitability in 2024.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic said: “Shai has done an outstanding job over the past seven years. 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.”
Koster has spent three decades in the airline industry, including two spells with Virgin Atlantic, as well as roles with Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM.
“I’ve long held a very special place in my heart for Virgin Atlantic, so it’s an incredible privilege to take up the role of CEO,” added Koster.
“We’ve always done everything in our power to give our customers and our people the best experience in the skies, delivered with a smile and the special challenger spirit that Richard instilled in us from day one. I’m determined we carry that spirit forward.”
Weiss said he would leave his role “full of pride” and that Koster had “what it takes to drive Virgin Atlantic to the next level”.