It’s been a few weeks since Virgin Atlantic confirmed that Shai Weiss will step down as CEO at the end of 2025, passing the baton to Corneel Koster, the airline’s Chief Customer & Operating Officer. The initial buzz has settled, so what does this mean for passengers?
From turbulence to take-off
Weiss took charge in 2019, just in time to steer the airline through a global pandemic, a restructuring, and one of the toughest periods in aviation history. He leaves Virgin in a far better place than he found it: profitable again, smaller, and more focused.
Koster, who steps up in January 2026, has been quietly shaping that turnaround for years. As the executive behind the airline’s day-to-day operations and customer experience, he’s already responsible for much of what travellers see and feel onboard. Rather than a shake-up, this looks like a steady handover that keeps Virgin’s trajectory intact.
What might we notice
Under Koster, expect less flash and more finesse. Reliability and service consistency are likely to be his focus. That means smoother check-ins, better on-time performance, and fewer operational hiccups.
But Virgin’s identity has always been about more than punctuality. The challenge will be to balance efficiency with personality keeping that playful, rebellious edge that sets it apart from the competition.
👉 You might also like: our Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Class review or on the 787.
The Gatwick question
One rumour that refuses to go away is whether Virgin will make a comeback at Gatwick. The airline pulled out during the pandemic and has been fully Heathrow-based since. Koster’s background, with deep ties to Virgin Holidays and leisure operations, could make Gatwick an appealing option again. But for now, the official line remains that the focus is on strengthening the core network, not expanding it. If the numbers work, and demand for long-haul leisure travel continues to grow, could Virgin make a return to Gatwick?
A more premium future
Virgin is already signalling where it’s heading. Its A350 and A330neo cabins now feature Retreat Suites, swapping the classic onboard bar for more private, luxurious seating. We all know those coffin seats need to go. It’s a move that reflects the post-pandemic shift toward high-end travel, especially across the Atlantic.
That trend is unlikely to change under Koster, who has long championed the Virgin experience which is stylish, modern, and customer-led.
BG1 Verdict
Virgin Atlantic isn’t rewriting its flight plan, just fine-tuning it. With Corneel Koster set to take over, travellers can expect a more refined operation without losing the heart and humour that make the airline different. The big question is whether Virgin can stay bold while becoming more grown-up. For now, the seatbelt signs are off but all eyes are on how this next chapter unfolds. Keep an eye on Virgin’s 2026 schedule. If Gatwick makes a reappearance, that will be the clearest sign of Koster’s long-term vision.
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