Who Is Corneel Koster, The Next CEO of Virgin Atlantic?

Virgin Atlantic has announced that Corneel Koster, the company’s current Chief Customer and Operating Officer, will become its new CEO on 1 January 2026.

He will take over from Shai Weiss who has been in the position for seven “successful years”, according to the firm.

Virgin Atlantic says that Shai steered the company through the pandemic, completing a full transformation and delivering its best performance in 2024.

The company’s 2024 financial results show record revenues of £3.3bn (US$4.4bn), up £183m (US$244m) versus 2023, fuelled by passenger capacity growth of 7.6%. The firm also saw continued demand for business and premium leisure travel and the launch of Unlimited Availability reward seats for members of Flying Club.

Shai led the company to being ranked the UK’s only Global Five Star Operator by the Airline Passenger Experience Association and No1. Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic, says: “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.”

The next CEO

Corneel’s leadership experience spans over three decades in travel and aviation, holding senior operational and commercial roles at Virgin Atlantic and partners Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM.

Between 2010 and 2013, he held the position of Director of Operations, Safety and Security at Virgin Atlantic.

After six years in positions at Aeroméxico and Delta Airlines, he returned to Virgin Atlantic as Board Member and Chief Customer Officer, expanding into the Chief Customer and Operating Officer role in 2020.

The company says he’s “been instrumental in running a safe and reliable operation, leading frontline teams and delivering Virgin Atlantic’s renowned customer experience."

Alongside Shai, he played a role in making sure the airline emerged from the pandemic as a reliable airline, while leading the introduction of the Airbus A330neo aircraft.

Discussing his resignation, Shai says: “I want to congratulate Corneel on his appointment, which is so well deserved. 

“I can think of no one better to take over as he knows what it takes to drive Virgin Atlantic to the next level and he’ll continue to innovate for our people and our guests, making them smile every step of the way.”

“I’ve long held a very special place in my heart for Virgin Atlantic,” Corneel adds, “so it’s an incredible privilege to take up the role of CEO. We’ve always done everything in our power to give customers and our people the best experience in the skies, delivered with a smile and a special challenger spirit Richard instilled in us from day one.”

The end of an era

Peter Norris, Chair of Virgin Atlantic, shares in a statement that although the company is sad that Shai has decided to step down, he has done an excellent job in “setting Virgin Atlantic on a clear path towards future success”.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, shares: “Shai has been a valued partner and good friend to Delta as we worked side by side over the years to build the leading trans-Atlantic joint venture.

“On behalf of the 100,000 Delta people worldwide, I want to thank him for his leadership, his friendship and his commitment to our values of always putting people first.”

Corneel is tasked with continuing Shai’s legacy and leading Virgin Atlantic to further growth financially and within its customer base.