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The second group of butlers forEtihad Airways have graduated from a training school in London and are ready for take-off.
A total of 12 men and women have been trained to serve flyers aboard the Airbus A380s new luxurious living space, called The Residence by Etihad. It features a living room, private shower and a double bedroom.
All of the graduates have worked as food and beverage managers on Etihad’s long-haul fleet before, but the courses in the Savoy Butler Academy training programme covered topics such as VIP guest care, international protocol, butler valeting and services, professional packing and unpacking, travel arrangements, luxury housekeeping and linen care.
Out of 12 butlers, nine of them are men and three are women from a range of nationalities.
Varun Rawal, a 27-year-old recent graduate, said: “The highlights of the training for me were the visits to stores with Royal Warrants, which cater to the needs of the royal family, and the attachment to the Savoy Butler. This gave me an incredible insight into the dedication and professionalism needed to carry out my new role in The Residence by Etihad.”
Another graduate said the training helped “open her eyes” to the responsibilities of a butler. Anne Klinkert, who has been with the airline since 2014, said being a flying butler is a “unique role”.
“Etihad Airways butler’s role goes far beyond simply serving a guest,” the 27-year-old said. “Reading your guests is the key and being able to surprise them and exceed their expectations is such a satisfying feeling.
“The word ‘no’ is not in our vocabulary, there is always a solution or an alternative. I am grateful for the opportunity Etihad has given me.”
In addition to The Residence, A380s will also feature First Apartments, which are private suites with a full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.
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