Ever since its launch over 25 years ago, Virgin Atlantic has staked its claim to having the world’s hottest flight attendants. But now it’s official. According to a survey of 1,000 travellers by the Business Travel and Meetings Show, BTMS, 53 percent voted Virgin crew as the hottest, followed by Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways.

The news will come as a delight to Virgin Atlantic founder and boss Sir Richard Branson, who has always placed stress on the appearance of his crew, featuring some of them in the carrier’s sexually charged commercials, which feature suggestive images, lots of attractive male and female crew and plenty of subtle innuendos.

(Virgin Atlantic has always prided itself on its sexy commercials)

This includes Virgin’s iconic anniversary campaign, “25 years, still red hot” which was voted “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” by World Travel Awards, The commercial featured Virgin’s finest “red hotties” strutting their stuff to Frankie Goes to Hollywood soundtrack “Relax”. In 2010 Virgin Atlantic was voted “World’s Leading Airline Business Class” and “World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline” by World Travel Awards.

(Virgin’s “red hotties” at World Travel Awards Grand Final collect the “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” with chief executive Steve Ridgway. Also pictured Tamara Beckwith)

On Virgin’s cabin crew recruitment page it states: “You’ll be the face of the airline. As such, your grooming should always be immaculate - even after a long, tiring flight.”

Singapore Airlines came in second place with 18 percent, despite repeatedly being named the best cabin crew in the world.

(Etihad Airways cabin crew in “grid girl” uniform at Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)

Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing Etihad Airways beat off competition from the likes of Air France, British Airways and SAS to scoop third.

Emirates came in fourth with 11 percent and Aer Lingus fifth with 6 percent.

(Virgin’s “Got It” commercial)

(Virgin Atlantic’s “25 years, still red hot“ was voted “World’s Leading Travel Commercial” by World Travel Awards)