05 November 2003
Passengers on board Gulf Air’s flights to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and London and the Bahrain-Sydney route can get “nanny help” starting November 23.
“The air carrier has become the world’s first to offer in-flight sky-nanny services,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air, James Hogan, announced yesterday at the sky-nanny launch at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Hotel and Spa.
The inaugural flight will be to Sydney, he added.
“The airline’s unique sky nanny will be a member of the flight team, operating on flights between the Gulf and London and also on the long-haul flight,” he said.
Hogan said that the aim of the sky nanny is to provide dedicated specialist care for children up to 12 years of age while on board the aircraft.
“Children are important to us. Gulf Air is a predominantly customer-centric airline and is focused on serving all segments and sectors of the markets. Children are our customers as well, and we’re committed to give them the best travel experience,” he said.
“We have selected the nannies carefully, to offer the best care. The first group of 30 flight attendants come from various backgrounds such as nurses and teachers, “ he said.
“The nannies will assist parents and take care of children and set up special meals and snacks for youngsters, activity packs with games and books to keep kids amused on board. Two children’s entertainment channels and a range of Disney books and comics in both English and Arabic will be available,” he said.
“The sky-nanny programme, which starts initially on routes to London and between Bahrain and Sydney, rolls out to other long-haul destinations over a period of time. The programme is also set to evolve over the next few months to become part of a fully fledged children’s product,” Hogan added.
Gulf Air vice-president, marketing and sales John Butler said that “no other airline has gone to the lengths to provide a tailored service to our extensive mix of customers.”
“With the introduction of this service, Gulf Air is once more going the extra mile to deliver on this commitment,” he said.
“Other children-oriented programme to be launched is upgrading the children’s menu to include new and healthy options,” added Butler.
“Children’s meals will be served ahead of others to allow the youngest to be assisted by their parents. In return, parents can dine later without the usual distractions,” he said.
Gulf Air sky nannies are trained by Norland College. Since its establishment in 1892, the college has secured a reputation as one of the finest training establishments for nannies in the world.
“An important part of Norland’s partnership with Gulf Air is the development of child-care training for flight attendants to develop and enhance their skills in caring for younger passengers,” said Norland College principal, Kay Crosse.
“Flight attendants have been given a foundation course in child care and development and how to meet the needs of babies, young children and their families,” she said.
“The training also focused on youngsters’ physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development, how to manage children’s behaviour in a positive manner and how to provide suitable activities for youngsters when travelling,” Crosse said that a child’s first flying experience should be enjoyable, and should appreciate the beauty of flying.
The launch of the programme also included a show by St. Christopher’s Junior School students performing nursery rhyme, “It’s a small world,” while the students dressed up in different national costumes of countries.
Passengers on board Gulf Air’s flights to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and London and the Bahrain-Sydney route can get “nanny help” starting November 23.
“The air carrier has become the world’s first to offer in-flight sky-nanny services,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air, James Hogan, announced yesterday at the sky-nanny launch at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Hotel and Spa.
The inaugural flight will be to Sydney, he added.
“The airline’s unique sky nanny will be a member of the flight team, operating on flights between the Gulf and London and also on the long-haul flight,” he said.
Hogan said that the aim of the sky nanny is to provide dedicated specialist care for children up to 12 years of age while on board the aircraft.
“Children are important to us. Gulf Air is a predominantly customer-centric airline and is focused on serving all segments and sectors of the markets. Children are our customers as well, and we’re committed to give them the best travel experience,” he said.
“We have selected the nannies carefully, to offer the best care. The first group of 30 flight attendants come from various backgrounds such as nurses and teachers, “ he said.
“The nannies will assist parents and take care of children and set up special meals and snacks for youngsters, activity packs with games and books to keep kids amused on board. Two children’s entertainment channels and a range of Disney books and comics in both English and Arabic will be available,” he said.
“The sky-nanny programme, which starts initially on routes to London and between Bahrain and Sydney, rolls out to other long-haul destinations over a period of time. The programme is also set to evolve over the next few months to become part of a fully fledged children’s product,” Hogan added.
Gulf Air vice-president, marketing and sales John Butler said that “no other airline has gone to the lengths to provide a tailored service to our extensive mix of customers.”
“With the introduction of this service, Gulf Air is once more going the extra mile to deliver on this commitment,” he said.
“Other children-oriented programme to be launched is upgrading the children’s menu to include new and healthy options,” added Butler.
“Children’s meals will be served ahead of others to allow the youngest to be assisted by their parents. In return, parents can dine later without the usual distractions,” he said.
Gulf Air sky nannies are trained by Norland College. Since its establishment in 1892, the college has secured a reputation as one of the finest training establishments for nannies in the world.
“An important part of Norland’s partnership with Gulf Air is the development of child-care training for flight attendants to develop and enhance their skills in caring for younger passengers,” said Norland College principal, Kay Crosse.
“Flight attendants have been given a foundation course in child care and development and how to meet the needs of babies, young children and their families,” she said.
“The training also focused on youngsters’ physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development, how to manage children’s behaviour in a positive manner and how to provide suitable activities for youngsters when travelling,” Crosse said that a child’s first flying experience should be enjoyable, and should appreciate the beauty of flying.
The launch of the programme also included a show by St. Christopher’s Junior School students performing nursery rhyme, “It’s a small world,” while the students dressed up in different national costumes of countries.
© Bahrain Tribune 2003
