For many, the thought of boarding a plane is stressful enough to override the excitement of an impending holiday. Now, a new partnership between Virgin Australia and popular Australian meditation app Smiling Mind could bring relief for anxious flyers.

On a chartered flight yesterday morning, the world’s first meditation flight flew over Sydney – with Richard Branson joining passengers for a zen-inducing spot of in-flight meditation.

As of next year, those who suffer anxiety on Virgin Australia flights will be able to tick a box when booking their seat, to discreetly identify themselves to staff. Flyers can then receive extra support on board, to help cope with their fear. This could come in the form of information that may help qualm concerts (‘when was this aircraft last serviced?’), or regular visits from cabin crew to check in.

And, Smiling Mind has produced new meditation programs for flyers, which will be available as part of Virgin Australia’s in-flight entertainment options. The meditation program, it’s hoped, will not only present the perfect opportunity for passengers to kill time while flying, but also bring mindfullness and a little more calm to their journeys.