More than two years after losing a bet with AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes on who had the better Formula 1 team, it’s time for the Virgin Atlantic boss to pay up.
He’ll be doing it on AirAsia X’s flight D7 237, departing from Perth, Australia, for Kuala Lumpur in an AirAsia flight attendant outfit and a drink trolley to match.
Mr Fernandes joked that Branson’s “day of reckoning” had finally arrived and stressed that, as per AirAsia X’s grooming standards, the Virgin Atlantic founder will be required to shave his legs, wear high heels, apply some makeup and slip into AirAsia’s distinctive red uniform.
No mention has been made of the rules regarding air hostesses having facial hair like Branson’s trademark full beard.
Mr Fernandes said, “He will be committed to carry out the responsibilities of a flight attendant, including offering coffee, tea and other food and beverages to guests on the special six-hour Perth-Kuala Lumpur flight.”
In addition to the giggles from seeing Branson teetering through the cabin serving tea in high heels, the charity flight will also be filled with games and activities for guests.
Tickets for the history-making flight went on sale on Monday (April 8) for travel on May 12, with AirAsia X promising to donate AUD$100 (about B3,000) per seat to the Starlight Children’s Foundation in Australia.
The airline will also give the foundation 10 per cent of all in-flight sales, including duty-free merchandise, and guests will also have an opportunity to make personal donations.
– etravelblackboard