ABU DHABI // The second group of Etihad Airways butlers has completed the intensive Savoy Butler Academy training programme in the UK.
The 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 training programme, conducted by the London School of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of West London, in conjunction with the Savoy Hotel, saw the trainees shadowing the establishment’s own butlers.
The syllabus included a series of masterclasses given by the Savoy’s head butler, Sean Davoren, covering international protocol and etiquette, VIP guest care, valet skills and organising travel arrangements.
The Etihad butlers will serve passengers flying in Residence by Etihad, providing service in the air and on the ground.
“The training really opened my eyes,” said Anne Klinkert, 27, who joined Etihad Airways last year.
“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 Residence by Etihad is the airline’s recently launched private living space on the upper deck of its fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.
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