Shai Weiss interview

Virgin Atlantic boss Shai Weiss was in fine form last Wednesday (24 February) in a live interview with former BBC Radio stalwart Nick Cosgrove for the United Jewish Israel Appeal (UJIA) charity.

Although perceived, and acknowledged, as an Israeli it turns out that Weiss is very British, although the transatlantic accent is a bit of a giveaway. He studied in the US and started his working life in New York.  Born in the UK in 1978, he holds a British passport, and has lived in London with his family for the last 24 years.  He is also reputed to be an Arsenal season ticket holder.  London is very much his home.

Virgin normally flies daily to Ben Gurion from Heathrow.  Put on hold for now is plans to introduce a second flight for the winter season.  “Israel has done remarkably well,” he said with an 80% load factor in the first year helped by connecting traffic from its 49% owner Delta Air Lines.  Manchester is under scrutiny "but it has to be commercially viable.  It is not at the moment".

He described the last 12 months as “challenging” noting that all staff took a 20% pay cut and there had been a 45% cull in employees.  There was also an eight-week wages delay.  Cargo grew by 40% in 2020, but no word on the future of Gatwick.  He reminded viewers how the airline introduced Israel to the cabin staff with a pre-route group visit to London’s Golders Green and a look around some Jewish shops.

www.virginatlantic.com

https://ujia.org

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Shelia Sundance, Dover

I watched the interview and Weiss was in great form considering the stress he must be under. It’s good to know he is a Londoner and plans to stay that way. What about Sean Doyle emerging from the shadows? Mind you he has bigger problems.