An online meditation company has signed a lucrative contract with Virgin Atlantic to help passengers relax at 30,000ft.

Meditainment, based in Hove, will transport Sir Richard Branson's customers into a world of their own while they cross the skies.

The company was established two years ago by Richard Latham, who became stressed running a large internet company. It became the first online "customisable" meditation service which allowed users to choose their own music, narrator and setting.

Since then Meditainment has branched out into the CD market and last year pioneered group meditation sessions in cinemas and planetariums.

Now the two-man company - Scott King is marketing director - has signed a deal with Virgin Atlantic to provide the world's first in-flight meditation service.

Passengers will be able to forget the stresses and strains of day-to-day life and arrive at their destination fully rested by simply using headphones.

Options include going on a journey to a desert island, or a summer meadow, or taking a meditative trip to the Moon or the Arctic.

Richard, 39, said: "Long-haul flights can be a major mental challenge for some travellers, especially if they're unable to sleep.

"With Meditainment, passengers will experience the time-bending effects of meditation which make long-haul flights go more quickly."

Katie Marks, programming co-ordinator for Virgin Atlantic, said: "We are really pleased to be able to add this great new way to chill out on board our flights.

"With people leading such busy lives and the growing interest in yoga and meditation we wanted to reflect that trend on-board.

"Now passengers can travel to New York via the astral plane."

In December last year Meditainment, based in Church Road, showcased the world's first cinema-based mass meditation event at the Odeon in Brighton.

Friday March 26, 2004