Virgin Atlantic has launched a new initiative that will see the Upper Class Clubhouse in Heathrow, London become home to a Gibson Guitar Master Class for passengers travelling between Friday and Sunday.

The Clubhouse Sky Lounge will display a selection of acoustic and electric guitars, and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Pete Southern from Gibson Guitar will offer Upper Class passengers the chance to participate in a lesson from between 5pm to 9pm.

Alison Copus, Virgin Atlantic Director of Marketing said, “Gibson Guitar is legendary and we are delighted to offer lessons to our Upper Class passengers on these celebrated instruments, especially by a master guitar player like Pete.  I am sure we have some frustrated rock gods amongst our Upper Class passengers, so it should go down well.”

Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Guitar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, “Gibson Guitar is proud to be teaming up with Virgin Atlantic to offer its Upper Class passengers the opportunity to learn a new riff or chord sequence before taking off.  Playing the guitar is a great way to unwind before a long flight and we look forward to many more opportunities with Virgin Atlantic in the future.”

Many prestigious artists around the world have used Gibson Guitars, they include Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, B.B King, Noel Gallagher, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Marley, Paul Weller, The Edge, Slash and Jimmy Page.

The instructor Pete Southern has himself played in a band called Balance of Power since 1998.  And this new Clubhouse initiative is expected to follow in the footsteps of previously successful ventures such as the Blackberry clinic, The Mind Gym and Lucy Garrett Styling.

Virgin Atlantic’s new, GBP11 million, flagship Clubhouse located at the London Heathrow Airport has seen the setting of new standards ever since opening in March 2006, such as the industry first spa pool, steam room and sauna in the airline lounge.