Sir Richad Branson / Image credit: AirAsia

Branson and Fernandes had then wagered on their teams finishing ahead of each other in their debut season of the 2010 Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. The loser would serve as a female flight attendant on board the winner’s airline – Fernandes on a Virgin’s flight and Branson’s on an AirAsia X’s flight.

Fernandes’ then Team Lotus finished two spots above Branson’s Marussia Virgin Racing team in the final rankings. (read story of the bet).

Branson was to have debut as a stewardess on AirAsia’ X London-Kuala Lumpur charity flight on 1 May, 2011, but it was cancelled when he ruptured a ligament after colliding into a teenager on the ski slopes in Switzerland. The flight was then moved to 4 July, but the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton scuttled the plans again.

This ongoing story of Lady Branson will finally have closure at 6.50pm on 12 May when the special charity AirAsia X flight takes off from Perth for Kuala Lumpur with a sultry Branson – complete with make-up, a pair of high heels and freshly smooth legs – strutting down its aisle to serve the guests.

“The day of reckoning for Richard has finally arrived,” said Fernandes. “Both Richard and I have come full circle and who would have thought my mentor will be serving as a flight attendant on AirAsia. It’s an awkward moment when you go down memory lane and recall the times I used to work for Richard. And it’s hilarious to think now that it’s Richard who will be working for me as a sassy flight attendant.”

He added that Branson has to comply with AirAsia’s grooming standards that includes shaving his legs, donning high heels, putting on makeup and slipping into the airline’s distinctive red uniform. His other duties include offering coffee, tea and other food and beverages to guests on the six-hour flight.

Branson gamely said, “I’ve done some outrageous things in my time, but this will be up there with the best of them. Tony won our bet fair and square and I am a man of my word – so I will dress up and make a splash in the name of Starlight, a fantastic charity. I’ve just got to practice walking in high heels.”

Branson (left) and Fernandes shaking on the wager in Abu Dhabi / Image credit: AirAsia

So if you have always wanted to come up close and personal with two of the most charismatic entrepreneurs in the aviation industry (Branson and Fernandes) 35,000 feet in the sky here is the chance to do so and, at the same time, contribute to a charitable cause.

AirAsia X will donate A$100 from each seat sold to the Starlight Children’s Foundation in Australia, which is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children, and their families, around the country. Additionally, 10% of all inflight sales, including duty free merchandise, will also go to the foundation. Guests can also make donations on board the special flight.

The one-way ticket costing A$399/RM1,308 guarantees good rollicking fun time on board.

Tickets are now available for booking online at www.airasia.com until 12 May, 2013 (or until seats are sold out).