Etihad Airways has launched a dedicated in-flight child care assistance programme for passengers travelling with children, with a Flying Nanny now on board every long haul flight.
Three hundred Etihad Airways cabin crew members have already completed their training for the new role with a further 60 being schooled this month at the Training Academy in the capital.
The first Flying Nanny took flight earlier this week and in total 500 will be working across the airline’s network by the end of the year, with one assigned on each long haul trip.
Identified by bright orange aprons, each Flying Nanny will use their training to help support the needs of families and unaccompanied minors while also entertaining and engaging with children during the flight.
The airline has partnered with the prestigious Norland College in the UK to help train cabin crew, with staff from the college flying to Abu Dhabi to help run the training courses.
Aubrey Tiedt, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Guest Services, said: “Flying with a young family can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced of travellers, and the Flying Nanny role demonstrates our understanding of our guests’ needs and our commitment to making a journey as relaxing and comfortable as possible. The nanny will liaise with parents and use their experience and to make the travel experience easier.
“This includes helping serve children’s meals early in the flight and offering activities and challenges to help entertain younger guests.”
She added that Norland College, which was established in 1892, was renowned as the world’s best at childcare training and was the natural choice for the airline to partner with.
Activities the nannies have been trained in include teaching simple arts and crafts, including origami, making sock puppets and basic magic tricks. For older children, the Flying Nanny is equipped with a variety of simple quizzes and challenges to keep them occupied and entertained during the flight and they will also organise galley tours.
The airline has also devised new characters to entertain and amuse youngsters; Zoe the bee, Jamool the camel, Kundai the lion and Boo the panda.
The Flying Nanny will also advise families that are transiting at Abu Dhabi about the various baby changing and child facilities available at the airport and the children’s play area at Gate 32.
