What Virgin Atlantic’s new CEO means for the future of UK business travel

22 Oct

Virgin Atlantic has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Shai Weiss, will step down at the end of 2025 after seven successful years leading the airline, with Corneel Koster set to succeed him as CEO from 1 January 2026.

This leadership change is particularly significant for UK-based business travellers who rely on Virgin Atlantic’s extensive transatlantic network, premium service and growing SkyTeam partnership for corporate travel. The continuity of leadership from within the company ensures that the airline’s focus on reliability, customer experience and sustainability – all key priorities for business travel – will remain at the heart of its strategy.

Corneel Koster re-joined Virgin Atlantic in 2019 as Chief Customer Officer, before expanding his role to Chief Customer and Operating Officer in 2020. Over the past five years, he has overseen operational safety and customer service, leading the airline through its pandemic recovery and the introduction of the A330neo aircraft. With more than thirty years of aviation experience, including senior positions at Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico and KLM, Mr Koster brings deep operational expertise and an enduring commitment to excellence in travel.

Shai Weiss became CEO in 2019 after joining Virgin Atlantic in 2014 as Chief Financial Officer, later serving as Chief Commercial Officer. His tenure included steering the airline through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and returning it to profitability, while achieving record performance in 2024. Under his leadership, Virgin Atlantic was consistently recognised as the UK’s only Global Five Star operator by APEX and was named Newsweek’s No.1 Most Loved Workplace.

Sir 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.”

Peter Norris, Chair of Virgin Atlantic, added:

“In the last seven years, faced with exceptional headwinds, Shai has done a remarkable job steering the airline through the pandemic and its aftermath. While we’re sad he’s decided to stand down, he has done an excellent job leading from the front in service of our people, customers and the communities in which we operate, setting Virgin Atlantic on a clear path towards future success. We are delighted that Corneel will be picking up the baton, having been such an integral part of the leadership team. As a true customer champion, he understands what sets Virgin Atlantic apart as we continue to challenge the status quo in the years ahead.”

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said:

“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. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Virgin Atlantic under the leadership of Corneel Koster as we transform the travel experience in the years ahead.”

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“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 leave Virgin Atlantic full of pride, knowing I have played a part in its bright red history. Together, we’ve transformed through the pandemic and emerged faster, better and stronger than ever.”

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said:

“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. 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. We will deliver value for our customers, people, shareholders and the communities we serve, while ensuring that Virgin Atlantic remains the airline that dares to do things differently.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, said:

“Virgin Atlantic plays an essential role in connecting UK business travellers with key markets across North America and beyond. This smooth transition of leadership ensures the airline will continue delivering the high standards of service, reliability and innovation our customers value when managing their business travel itineraries.”

Virgin Atlantic was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984 and employs more than 9,000 people worldwide. The airline operates to 28 destinations and, alongside its joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, offers a comprehensive network with over 200 global connections. A SkyTeam member since 2023, Virgin Atlantic continues to innovate through sustainability, with one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry and a commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

For more information about flights on Virgin Atlantic, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.