Air cruets phased out after thefts

10/10/11

By Chris Gibbings

Salt and pepper sets shaped like aeroplanes have been stolen so often by passengers on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flights that they are being phased out after more than 12 years.

The cruets, which turn up on eBay at £20 a pair, were part of the Upper Class cutlery and dining ware sets which will be replaced from next month.

Thousands of pieces of the sets, including popular condiment pots, were stolen, said Virgin.

The group was grateful to its Upper Class passengers for spreading the message around the world, said spokeswoman Janine Doy. "Who could have guessed that salt and pepper pots designed for our aircraft would one day be found in homes all over the world?" Ms Doy said.

Virgin expect a last-minute rush when fans realised their supply is coming to an end, and prices may also rise with the stock becoming scarce.

She added: ""Having so many people pinching our salt and pepper pots is, I suppose, a back-handed tribute to how well these items have been designed."