Etihad Airways has celebrated the graduation of its 2000th Flying Nanny, continuing its relationship with Norland, the respected UK-based higher education college which specialises in ‘early years’ education.
This Norland approved training ensures that Etihad
Airways’ highly trained cabin crew members who transfer to become Flying
Nannies, can combine their service and hospitality expertise with an
appreciation of the childcare skills required to ensure outstanding service and
inflight care for the airline’s younger guests.
The bespoke training programme, devised by Norland
specifically for the Etihad Airways Training Academy, provides cabin crew with
the skills to support families on longhaul flights.
Linda Celestino, Etihad
Airways' Vice President Guest Experience, said: “Flying with a young family can be
daunting, even for our most experienced guests, and the Flying Nanny role
demonstrates our understanding of their needs and our unwavering commitment to
making the journey as relaxing, entertaining and comfortable as possible - for
both parent and child.”
Flying Nannies were introduced by Etihad Airways in September
2013, and are onboard to provide an extra pair of hands and to allow parents
more personal time while they entertain the children.
Claire Burgess, Head of Research, Consultancy and
Training at Norland, who has been delivering the training at
Etihad Airways’ headquarters since the Flying Nanny initiative began, commented: “This milestone reflects how
successful the Flying Nanny programme has been for Etihad Airways, and it
proves that Norland’s expertise continues to make a positive impact on the
passenger experience.”
In September 2016, the airline introduced a new Flying Nanny
Kit as part of a new range of ‘Etihad Explorers’ children’s activity
packs, to keep its younger guests occupied while onboard. The kit promotes greater interaction between nanny and child and
contains an extensive range of fun items including Origami, games, pom-poms,
flight certificates, tools for magic tricks and face-painting, and a ‘Flying
Nanny stamp of approval’ which the nanny can use to reward children during
their in-flight activities.