Richard Branson Is So Cool, He's Ice Cold

Have you ever wanted to come face to face with the rich and famous? Well, some lucky fliers on Virgin Atlantic planes will have that opportunity. Sort of.

Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported that Virgin Atlantic Airlines would be serving ice cubes in the likeness of the company’s founder, Sir Richard Branson. A spokesperson for the airline said that, thanks to the novelty item, “passengers will be able to enjoy some chill out time with Mr Branson.” The CEO of Virgin Atlantic, Steve Ridgway, expressed a similar sentiment. “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,” he said in a statement. "Now he is able to join our guests 'in spirit.' "

Face-time with customers aside, the miniature ice sculptures are a way to promote the airline’s new in-flight bar. According to TheGlobalPost.com, the in-flight bars, which come with “mood lighting,” are the longest bars aboard a plane in the world.
The ice cubes, known as Little Richards, took six weeks to make. They were designed by a group of four designers, who used laser scanners and photographs to create the cubes. The ice is very detailed, capturing Branson’s smile and hair so well that USA Today described it as “uncanny.”

Branson, never shy about publicity, announced the novelty on Twitter, writing, “When I said let's put the idea on ice, this isn't what I had in mind @virginatlantic!”