Virgin's ‘grin and tonic’ Branson ice cubes

The ice cubes have been created using the exact measurements of Sir Richard’s head

The British-based Virgin Atlantic is giving passengers some extended face time with Richard Branson, the carrier’s billionaire founder, to celebrate the launch of the airline’s newly redesigned upper-class section.



No, Sir Richard won’t be accompanying passengers in the Upper deck – it’ll be his icy avatar.

Well-heeled passengers in Virgin’s upper class will be offered Richard Branson-shaped ice cubes to chill at 40,000ft in the air.

Virgin Atlantic is giving Upper Class passengers the chance to cool their in-flight drinks in the most innovative way possible this Spring – with the launch of its

‘Little Richard’, as the carrier calls the bespoke ice cubes, will be served on board one of the first flights of the airline's new Upper Class Cabin this May, and have been crafted in the image of Virgin Atlantic’s president Sir Richard Branson.

A statement from the airline said that the new ice innovation means all passengers will be able to enjoy some chill out time with Mr Branson at the new bar – which it claims is the longest of any airline – and which has been designed to provide additional space and comfort for those keen to socialise while flying.

The bar will also incorporate a raft of additional innovations including the fabulous new champagne coupe glass, enhanced mood lighting and a new seating system to facilitate the most comfortable social experience in the air.

“The ice cubes have been created using the exact measurements of Sir Richard’s head and feature an impressive level of detail. The mould for the ice cubes took a team of four skilled designers a painstaking six weeks to create using detailed photographic techniques and laser scanning technology to create the perfect likeness of Sir Richard,” the airline said.

Luke Miles, Head of Design for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our Upper Class passengers access to the newest, longest bar in the sky, and what better way to celebrate this than giving passengers the opportunity to share a drink with the face of our business? “

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said: “While Richard would love to be able to sit and enjoy a drink with all of our passengers, his schedule means that it simply isn’t possible. Now he is able to join our guests ‘in spirit’ on one of the Upper Class Cabin’s first flights as they raise a toast to their trip and the exciting times ahead.”