Overview
- Shai Weiss will step down on December 31, 2025, after seven years as CEO, with Chief Customer & Operating Officer Corneel Koster assuming the role on January 1, 2026.
- Koster is credited with strengthening operations, introducing the Airbus A330neo, and leading digital operational changes, drawing on three decades at Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Aeroméxico and KLM.
- Virgin Atlantic’s board and key stakeholders voiced support for the succession, including statements from Sir Richard Branson, chair Peter Norris and Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
- Under Weiss, the airline returned to profitability in 2024, posting a pre-tax profit of about £20 million on record revenue of roughly £3.3 billion.
- The transition comes within an ownership structure of 51% Virgin Group and 49% Delta Air Lines, reflecting the close partnership that shapes the airline’s strategy.