Virgin boss to wear flight attendant dress on rival airline

Richard Branson is set to don a female flight attendant uniform and serve passengers on an AirAsia flight after losing a bet to AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes.

You’ve got to hand it to Richared Branson: he’s a man who honours his word.

After making a bet with AirAsia and Lotus CEO Tony Fernandes in 2010, that whichever of their teams (then Virgin and Lotus) finished lower in the constructors' Grand Prix championship in their debut season, the losing CEO would serve customers on the other's airline.

Branson lost as Lotus finished 10th and Virgin 12th, but the trip in uniform had to be postponed in early 2011 after the Virgin boss injured himself while skiing.

That may have been the end of it, but honouring the bet, Branson recently contacted Fernandes to arrange a date. He’ll now finally wear AirAsia’s trademark red skirt and serve as an attendant in May. “[Branson] will be an AirAsia stewardess in May on AirAsia. 2 years late but main point he hasn't forgotten,” Fernandes tweeted.

Fernandes had previously said that Branson would strut down the aisle to offer coffee, tea or other food and beverages to guests on a special 13-hour Kuala Lumpur to London flight.

The tickets for the flight would be auctioned off for charity.

Recent articles & video

'Unpaid' worker claims constructive dismissal

Manager wins over $22,000 for unjustified disadvantage, dismissal

How criminal charges impact employment investigations

New Zealand employers ready to pay more for employees with AI skills

Most Read Articles

Recap: Winners of the 2024 HRD Awards New Zealand

Best practice for handling fixed-term agreements in New Zealand

Couple to pay over $94,000 for wage violations