Etihad Airways has sent its first batch of inflight butlers to the Savoy Butler Academy in London for training, ahead of the launch of its private suites in the sky in December.
Earlier this year, the airline unveiled the new luxury three-room living spaces – branded as The Residence by Etihad - which will be made available on its A380 aircraft and will include a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room.
It has now selected 13 men and women, all in-flight chefs or food & beverage managers, to fulfil the coveted role of butler, which will combine the skills of both concierge and maître d’hôtel to provide superior service to guests.
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They will undergo a comprehensive three-week-long training programme, delivered by the University of West London in conjunction with landmark Savoy Hotel in London.
“We are tremendously proud to be sending our first talented crew members for training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London,” said Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Services Aubrey Tiedt.
“This marks their initiation into a very select group of highly-trained hospitality professionals, and is testament to Etihad Airways’ aim to be the best and to provide levels of discretion, dedication and sophistication hitherto not experienced by the modern airline traveller.
“We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm we have received from the Savoy Training Academy, which shares our mission to provide something truly exceptional in the air.”
The syllabus on the training programme covers all areas essential to catering to the personal tastes of guests staying in The Residence, including international protocol and etiquette, VIP guest care, valet skills, luxury food and wine service standards and organising travel arrangements.
After two weeks at the London School of Hospitality and Tourism, at the University of West London, the trainees will spend at The Savoy Hotel, where they will shadow the establishment’s own butlers as they carry out their duties.
The first butler will assume duty on the airline’s inaugural Airbus A380 flight to London Heathrow on December 27.
A second group of Butler trainees is scheduled to start their Savoy Butler Academy training in early 2015.
Each of Etihad Airways’ 10 Airbus A380s will feature a single The Residence by Etihad cabin, certified for double occupancy, and service onboard will provide each guest with catering and amenities of their choosing, pre-selected to meet their specific requirements.
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