A hockey mask-wearing Richard Branson wielded a chainsaw as he revealed new changes in his Virgin airline services on Wednesday, taking an attention-getting page out of controversial rapper Eminem's book.
Eminem famously donned the get-up during his live tour and the 2001 Brit Awards, spoofing the villain from the famed Friday The 13th horror films.
Donning the stage gear of the hip-hop star, complete with overalls and tattoo, the millionaire businessman slashed a traditional British Airways seat to underline the value of his new Virgin Upper Class Suite service. After a change of clothes, he hopped into one of the revolutionary Suite service's offerings – the world's longest fully flat airline bed.
"(The Suite service) will also allow you to sit and eat at your seat with another passenger facing you or have a meal and a drink with friends at our exclusive private bar - the only bar in the sky," he said. "If you're feeling stressed we'll give you an inflight massage or manicure in a private treatment area or, if you prefer, at your seat."
As he unveiled the new perk, Sir Richard also announced aims to launch a new low-cost airline in the US. Though the plans are in the early stages, the high-profile mogul, whose stake in the venture would be 49 per cent, would like to begin flights early in 2004.
However, he made it clear that the business would not involve taking over an existing air companies. "The best way of building and running an airline is to build it from scratch," he said.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
