We all know it, that quiet moment. When all is still on a long flight. When everyone is trying to watch their movie or sleep. That moment. That moment when your child decides to let out an almighty wail. A collective groan goes up and you wish you could disappear. Or that there was a nanny on board.
That pipe dream is now a reality if you choose to fly with Etihad.
Etihad is making flying easier for parents with a helping hand for families aboard long haul flights.
Families will be delighted to hear that Etihad has just launched a new flying nanny program. It aims to make flying easier for parents and to give you a breather— you might actually get to squeeze in that nap, or watch that on-demand movie you always wanted to!
Etihad Airways introduces in-flight child care assistance program
Easily recognisable with a bright orange apron, the in-flight child care crew will help out families with young children as well as unaccompanied minors. Etihad Airways will also serve children’s meals early in the flight and liaise with parents to make the travel experience better for everyone. The flying nannies are equipped with creative ways to entertain children during flights and making flying easier for parents.
RELATED: Scoot airlines introduces child-free quiet zone on planes.
For younger kids
Little ones will be introduced to the adorable and collectable Etihad characters — Zoe the bee, Jamool the camel, Kundai the lion, and Boo the panda. The specially put-together children entertainment’s kit contains straws, stickers, cardboard and others, items which the in-flight nannies will use to hold simple crafts sessions. They also utilise common travellers’ items given on-board the aircraft like socks and paper cups to make Japanese origami structures and sock puppets.
Etihad’s in-flight activities are designed for children to complete them independently after being given some directions.
For older kids
Well-equipped with activities catered to different ages, the flying nannies can teach older children how to do simple magic tricks. They also provide them with puzzles to work on, or even take them on gallery tours when the flight permits.
The in-flight child care goes a step further by replenishing milk bottles at the end of the flight and offering food items for transit passengers. The friendly nanny crew will also be glad to inform transit families about the locations of baby facilities and play areas at Abu Dhabi airport.
RELATED: Malaysia Airlines defends ‘no baby’ policy.
Read on to find out more about how Etihad is making flying easier for parents.
Nanny-training at world renowned Norland College
Norland College is a key partner in developing and delivering the flying nanny program with Etihad Airways. At Norland College, which specializes in childcare education, Flying Nannies learn to identify different types of behaviour and developmental stages of children. The training course that in-flight nannies have to go through is in-depth and focuses on child psychology and sociology. It allows the in-flight child care crew to better cater to the needs of travelling families.
Expansion of the in-flight child care service is making flying easier for parents and their children.
RELATED: Tips when you’re flying with children.
More flying nannies on Etihad by the end of 2013
Three hundred nannies have been going through the nanny course for the past two months. Another 60 will join the program in September. The airline aims to have 500 flying nannies by the end of 2013, especially for long-haul flights, making flying easier for parents and allowing other passengers to have a comfortable flight.
Given that some airlines now have premium no-children zones, this is a positive sign that children are not only welcome on flights, but that their needs will also be catered for. As parents we welcome the move and hope that other airlines follow suit.