LONDON – Virgin Atlantic’s (VS) has announced that Corneel Koster will take the reins as its new Chief Executive Officer next year. Virgin Atlantic’s current CEO, Shai Weiss, has been in the role for the past seven years. Weiss directed the carrier through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw major restructuring at the company. He will stand down and leave the airline at the end of this year. 

Koster will take up the role of CEO on January 1, 2026. He has over three decades of experience in the aviation sector. He also has a significant history with VS, after rejoining the airline in 2019 as a board member and Chief Customer Officer. 

Koster 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.”

Koster previously served as Director of Operations and Security at VS from 2010 to 2013. He also has held senior operational and commercial roles at Delta Air Lines (DL), Aeromexico (AM), and KLM (KL).

Taking Virgin Atlantic Forward

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, which owns 51% of Virgin Atlantic, is pleased and excited with Koster’s appointment.

“I’m delighted to welcome Corneel as CEO. He embodies the Virgin spirit – bold, curious, and ready to shake up the status quo.” Branson said.

Koster assures passengers that VS’s high-level customer-oriented focus will continue. Going forward, passengers will still be provided with exceptional passenger experience and customer service, for which the airline is known. 

“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,” Koster said.