Branson’s airhostess transformation

Coincidence or a clever tactic?  

Just weeks after Virgin employees complained about their new uniform, describing their blouses as to “flimsy” and “revealing”, Richard Branson dresses up as an airhostess.  Is this coincidental or a clever PR stunt?

Although Virgin is dealing with the problem regarding the blouses, issuing vouchers for the employees to buy undergarments, so they don’t feel uncomfortable. This negative PR regarding employee’s discontentment could have an affect on the brand image.

But beyond that, Sir Richard Branson has taken matters into his own hands by dressing up as an airhostess on board a flight. After losing a bet with AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes a rival company to Virgin.

This adds to a list of Branson’s publicity stunts, which include driving a tank down New York’s Fifth Avenue, in 1998 to promote Virgin Cola. Or when he dressed up as Elvis Presley to promote the direct service from London to Las Vegas in 2003. Virgin is a regular feature within the press and Branson is a significant figure in the media.

So is this simply good timing, or is this a clever PR stunt burying the “bad news”?  It has not yet been revealed what the bet is. Virgin is being portrayed as honest and reliable as Branson is sticking to the wager. He is using his celebrity status to detract people’s attention from last weeks story.

 The attention of the original negative story regarding the blouses is almost forgotten, due to Branson. The face of the brand has turned a negative story into a humorous light-hearted way to promote his brand. And by making a joke out of the matter is he suggesting that if Branson can wear the uniform why can’t his employees? 

Sarah