The funniest ever? Bearded CEO turns “sexy flight attendant”

▲The Virgin Group CEO transformed into a flight attendant all because of a bet made two years ago. (Photo/AirAsia)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

This sexy, red-lipsticked flight attendant is none other than Sir Richard Branson, the CEO of the Virgin Group. On the 12th, Branson finally fulfilled a bet he made two years ago—shaving his legs, donning a tight red skirt, and taking to the skies at 35,000 feet as a “flight attendant” on an AirAsia X flight from Perth, Australia, to Kuala Lumpur, serving both passengers and international media. This elaborately costumed entrepreneur spent five and a half hours pouring tea and coffee, serving meals, making announcements, entertaining passengers, and also undertaking an important mission: raising funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation in Australia to improve the quality of life for children with serious illnesses and their families who are undergoing long-term hospital treatment.

Two years ago, Richard and Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia, competed against each other in Abu Dhabi during the 2010 Formula 1 season using their newly formed F1 racing teams. The loser had to dress up as a flight attendant on the winner’s airline and serve passengers. In the end, Tony’s Lotus team finished 10th, while Richard’s Virgin team came in 12th. As a result, two years later, Richard honored the bet and appeared in public as an AirAsia X cabin crew member on a charity flight.

Sir Richard Branson said, “I’m very grateful to Tony, who beat me, for helping out on the flight. I believe our service left every passenger well fed and laughing. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve been a flight attendant, but I enjoyed it, and I’m glad I finally kept my promise while also contributing to a great charity event. I also want to pay my highest respects to all flight attendants who work diligently every day to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.”


▲The world’s funniest flight attendant wrapped up amid laughter and was awarded a flight attendant graduation certificate. (Photo/AirAsia)

The entire event concluded with a simple graduation ceremony held for Sir Richard Branson at Kuala Lumpur’s low-cost carrier terminal. Tony Fernandes, in his capacity as CEO of AirAsia Group, presented Sir Richard with an AirAsia flight attendant graduation certificate, uniform, and high heels to recognize his outstanding performance and to express the airline’s gratitude.