Poll Results: The games begin AirAsia vs Virgin

Sir Richard Branson depicted as an air hostess. Picture from Lotus F1 website

At the launch of his Virgin Racing Formula 1 team earlier this week, Sir Richard Branson challenged budget airline rival Tony Fernandes, boss of the new Lotus F1 Racing team, to a Formula One duel with the loser having to dress up as an airline stewardess.

AirAsia’s Fernandes, who once worked for Branson’s music business, said last week that his new Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 team had to beat Branson’s Virgin Racing operation next season.

“Bring it on, the sexier the better.” That was the response from Fernandes to Sir Branson’s challenge over the loser in the Formula 1 stakes having to dress up as an airline stewardess on the winner’s airline – AirAsia or Virgin Atlantic.

The Lotus F1 Racing team, of which Fernandes is Team Principal, has even taken the liberty of picking out a lovely crew uniform for Branson.

“It’s quite fitting, don’t you think? Our passengers will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm. But, knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests ‘coffee, tea or me?’ That would be scary,” said Fernandes, who is a founder and Group CEO of AirAsia, Asia’s largest low-cost carrier.

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