SEPANG: Virgin Group chief Sir Richard Branson's stint as an AirAsia “stewardess” lasted barely six hours before he was promptly “fired” for spilling orange juice on Tan Sri Tony Fernandes' lap.

The British billionaire, who made good on a Formula One bet he lost to the AirAsia boss in 2010, had to pour drinks and serve meals as well as make in-flight announcements as part of the deal.

But Branson got his revenge against Fernandes on the special AirAsia X charity flight from Perth, in which he had to slip into AirAsia's red uniform, complete with a pair of sheer stockings over shaved legs and shiny red ballet flats.

His blond mane was also coiffed, while false eyelashes, eyeshadow and red lipstick completed the look.

Fernandes, who was tickled pink at the sight of his former boss and mentor in the get-up, announced that Branson was “fired” following his behaviour on the plane.

From suit to skirt: Fernandes (right) being served by Branson dressed as an AirAsia stewardess while flying from Perth to Kuala Lumpur. — AFP

“I should have realised. He had this tray and he was standing right in front of me.

“I looked into his eyes and thought oh no, he's going to do it' and he did,” he quipped to reporters after they landed at LCCT from Australia.

He then said he had to be in his underpants for a while as he did not bring a change of clothing.

Fortunately, another passenger lent him a pair of shorts while waiting for his jeans to dry.

The hilarious experience was Branson's punishment for losing a bet to Fernandes in 2010.

His then Formula One Virgin Racing team (now Marussia under new ownership) ended behind Lotus Racing (renamed Caterham) in the team rankings.

To conclude the wager, Fernandes presented Branson with a “graduation certificate” to show he had served as an AirAsia stewardess.

Branson, 62, who refused to shave his trademark beard for the occasion, made heads turn when he sauntered into the terminal after the flight, handbag slung over one shoulder, batting his false eyelashes and posing for the huge media crowd gathered there.

He said he had had a wonderful experience and thanked Fernandes' crew for “teaching me how to look beautiful, perform my duties and how to drop the tray in Tony's lap”.

“I realise I am now fired and I need to go back to civilian clothes and my day job. I've always wanted to be an air hostess, but it looks like I'll have to get back to normality now,” he quipped.

Fernandes has also agreed to accompany Branson on a trip to space, joking that they might make another bet when they were near the moon.

Around RM600,000 (A$200,000) was raised for the charity flight which will go to the Starlight Children's Foundation in Australia, which helps seriously ill and hospitalised children.

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