The Miami-Heathrow flight intercepted the path of the moon as it obscured the sun, offering holidaymakers the chance to view the first eclipse to take place over US skies for 99 years.

All 260 passengers onboard the flight were given special eclipse glasses to watch the event.

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Virgin Atlantic captain Jason Shergold, said: “I’ve been flying for 31 years, and seen some incredible sights from the flight deck – but watching a total solar eclipse at 35,000ft was one of the most amazing experiences that any pilot could have. It was a real honour to captain this special eclipse flight.”

Malcolm Sutherland, director of flight crew and training, Virgin Atlantic, said: “It’s rare enough to catch a glimpse of an eclipse on the ground so to see one at 35,000ft is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The eclipse is visible for just over a 100 mile radius so when we realised the VS5 flight to Miami would fly into this area at exactly the right time it caused quite a bit of excitement. We have worked with the pilots and air traffic control to track the eclipse for as long as possible – giving our customers and crew one of the best views in the world!”