Sir Richard Branson Now Serving Ice Cubes Of His Face On Flights

I usually kinda fall for Richard Branson's hubris because he's normally doing some pretty sweet things, but this? C'mon Man! Nobody wants to be suckling on you while trying to take down their third Bloody Mary on a Trans-Atlantic flight from London.

Fancy a drink with Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson?

 

If you fly in the utmost-class section of select Virgin Atlantic flights this month, you'll get your wish — or the closest thing to it. You'll have a likeness of the British billionaire staring straight at you.

The British airline, known for such antics as having a whispering coach train flight attendants to talk softly to elite passengers, has created "Little Richard" ice cubes shaped like the head of its eccentric leader's head.

 

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The likeness is uncanny, and some may say eerie. The cubes capture Branson's signature long locks, goatee and toothy grin.

 

"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," Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive Officer Steve Ridgway says in a statement. "Now he is able to join our guests 'in spirit.' "

Four designers spent six weeks creating the mold for the ice cubes, using the measurements of Branson's head, detailed photographic techniques and laser scanning technology.

 

The cubes were made to celebrate Virgin's new in-flight bars, the longest in the air, the airline boasts. Bar highlights include a new champagne coupe glass, mood lighting and a seating system to promote socializing. The bar is to be the social heart of the new Upper Class Suite, which the airline recently debuted and will roll out fleet-wide throughout the year.

Virgin Atlantic has gained a reputation for innovative ways to promote its brand. The airline has its own line of red patent leather shoes, entitled Dorothy and Dotty, that its flight attendants wear. Recently, it debuted a lipstick shade called "Upper Class Red" that passengers can buy.

 

On Wednesday, Branson, who's well-known for poking fun of himself, announced the latest unorthodox amenity on Twitter. "When I said let's put the idea on ice, this isn't what I had in mind @virginatlantic!" he tweeted.

Branson is famous for his publicity stunts, which often involve flamboyant costumes. He's played a bride, a Zulu warrior, Don Johnson's character on TV's Miami Vice and an astronaut. He's also driven down New York's Fifth Avenue in a tank and crossed the English Channel from Dover to Calais in an amphibious car.

 

And then there was the sight of him bungee jumping 407 feet off the Palms Hotel Casino in Las Vegas in 2007 and bashing into the building. The stunt gone awry left him hanging in the air with ripped pants.

This time, Branson won't get injured. But Little Richard will eventually melt away.

via USAToday