The “Little Richard” will be cooling the drinks of Upper Class fliers on selected flights in May, to celebrate the launch of the airline’s new in-flight bar.

The ice cubes have been built to scale, using the exact measurements of Sir Richard’s actual head, and boast an impressive attention to detail – even the Virgin boss’s trademark goatee is distinguishable.

The airline claims a team of four designers took six weeks to create them, using “detailed photographic techniques and laser scanning technology”.

A spokesman for Virgin said the creation meant “all passengers will be able to enjoy some chill out time with Mr Branson”. He added that the bar would feature additional innovations, including "enhanced mood lighting".

Sir Richard is renowned for his publicity stunts , and has recently appeared in a series of television advertisements with athletics star Usain Bolt.

Previous campaigns have seen him dress up as a bride, a Malay warrior, a Middle Eastern sheikh, and Elvis Presley. He also famously winded himself when an abseiling stunt from the top of the Palms Hotel Casino in Las Vegas went awry.

And when Virgin Atlantic's in-flight meals were criticised by one passenger, in a hilarious email sent to Sir Richard, the airline offered him a job as a food taster.