Etihad Airways‘ second group of in-flight butlers have completed their training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London.
The course, which was conducted by the London School of Hospitality & Tourism in conjunction with the Savoy Hotel, saw a group of 12 existing Etihad employees learn the finer arts of butler service, ahead of their deployment in Etihad’s new first class cabins, The Residence by Etihad.
The syllabus included a series of classes covering international protocol and etiquette, VIP guest care, valet skills and organising travel arrangements.
“These highly skilled and talented professionals have successfully completed a challenging programme which has provided them with all the knowledge and the tools necessary for one of the most unique roles in the airline industry,” said Linda Celestino, Etihad’s vice president of guest services.
“They are the ultimate ambassadors for the Etihad Airways brand, and will bring to reality the airline’s vision of providing a totally re-imagined travel experience for the discerning guests flying in The Residence by Etihad. We are very proud of them.”
The butlers will now serve The Residence by Etihad, the new three-room apartments that have been introduced to the airline’s fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.
Etihad currently flies its A380 to London and will start deploying the aircraft to Sydney on 31 May. One of the airline’s daily services to New York will also be upgraded to the A380 on 1 December 2015.
