As Virgin Atlantic turns 40, founder Sir Richard Branson is celebrating by splashing fully clothed in one of his hotel's swimming pools - and sharing some of his most memorable moments with MailOnline.

Former BA boss Willie Walsh bet Sir Richard in 2012 that his airline would close. It was a bet he completely lost... Sir Richard splashed in the swimming pool of his Vegas hotel as Virgin Atlantic celebrated 40 years. Once dried, we chatted with him and Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss READ MORE: Photos Taken by a Photographer Who Trails from Helicopters

By Gilbert Ott, Founder by Godsavethepoints.Com, for Mailonline

Published: 1:14 p.m. BST, 13 June 2024 | Updated: 2:37 p.m. BST, June 13, 2024

In 2012, former British Airways boss Willie Walsh bet Sir Richard Branson that his airline – Virgin Atlantic – would not exist in five years.

< p class="mol-para-with-font">It's a bet Mr Walsh has completely lost, with MailOnline this week watching Sir Richard splash fully clothed in the swimming pool at his hotel in Las Vegas (see video) to celebrate 40th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic.

Once he dried off, we sat down with the famously intelligent founder and airline CEO Shai Weiss to discuss the future of the airline. 'secret sauce', his most notable moments and more...

Throughout the interview, one thing was clear: it's the arrogance of Virgin, its lack...