25 May 2015 11:00
The second group of Etihad Airways Butlers has completed the intensive Savoy Butler Academy training program in the United Kingdom. The course was conducted by the London School of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of West London, in conjunction with the legendary Savoy Hotel.
- Butlers graduate after an intensive training program in
London
- Exclusive
to The Residence by Etihad™ on A380 flights
The Abu Dhabi-based team of 12 men and women, who have all worked
as food and beverage managers on board Etihad Airways’ long-haul fleet,
graduated this week at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United
Arab Emirates.
The elite group of talented hospitality personnel are now fully
qualified to perform their duties, catering to the needs of guests staying in
The Residence by Etihad™, the airline’s recently launched private living space on the
upper deck of the airline’s fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft. Featuring a living
room, private shower room and double bedroom, the revolutionary cabin boasts
the innovations and exclusive features normally associated with private jets
and luxury yachts.
Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Services, said:
“These highly skilled and talented professionals have successfully completed a
challenging program which has provided them with all the knowledge and the
tools necessary for one of the most unique roles in the airline industry. They
are the ultimate ambassadors for the Etihad Airways brand, and will bring to
reality the airline’s vision of providing a totally reimagined travel
experience for the discerning guests flying in The Residence by Etihad. We are
very proud of them.”
The syllabus included a series of master
classes given by the Savoy’s Head Butler,
Sean Davoren, covering
international protocol and etiquette, VIP guest care, valet skills and
organising travel arrangements. The Butlers ensure that the needs and expectations of guests in the
Residence by Etihad™ are met and exceeded at all times, utlilising Etihad Airways’ full
inflight connectivity service to provide a 24-hour service in the air and on
the ground.
For 27 year old Varun Rawal, graduating
as an Etihad Butler was a moment of immense pride:
“I am expected to redefine
luxury and set new benchmarks in
hospitality by using the skills I acquired at the Savoy, and the experience gained over the two
years I have been with Etihad Airways. The highlights of the training for me
were the visits to stores with Royal Warrants, which cater to the needs
of the Royal Family, and the attachment to the
Savoy Butler. This gave me an incredible
insight into the dedication and professionalism needed to carry out my new role
in The Residence by Etihad.”
The training program, which took place in various
departments of the Savoy Hotel, saw the Butler trainees complete an
attachment shadowing the famous establishment’s own world-renowned butlers,
allowing them unhindered access and exposure to their training.
Anne
Klinkert, 27, who joined Etihad Airways in 2014, added: “The
training really opened
my eyes. An Etihad Airways Butler’s role goes far beyond simply serving a guest. Reading
your guests is
the key and being able to surprise them
and exceed their expectations is such a satisfying
feeling. The word 'no' is not in our
vocabulary, there is always a solution or an
alternative. I am grateful for the opportunity Etihad has given me. Being a flying Butler
is such unique role in air travel and being part of
this makes me extremely proud.”
The first Etihad Airways
A380 service was inaugurated from the UAE capital to London’s Heathrow Airport
on 27 December 2014. On 31 May, the airline will deploy a new A380 on one of
its two daily flights to Sydney. One of the airline’s double daily services to
New York JFK will also be upgraded to the A380 on 1 December this year.