Bangkok--Sep 16--Virgo 68 Public Relations
Qualified professional attention and care will make flying with children a more pleasurable experience for parents and children
In a world first, Gulf Air today announced the introduction of a profession of a professional, qualified Sky Nanny on its routes between Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and London, and the Bahrain-Sydney route, beginning with the airline's inaugural flight to Sydney on 23 November 2003.
Every Sky Nanny will be a fully qualified member of the in-flight service team, dedicated to delivering specialist care for children up to the age of 12 travelling with their parents or as unaccompanied minors.
Development of this enhanced in-flight childcare service has been undertaken with the world famous Norland College, one of the foremost establishments in the world for childcare and education.
The main duties of the all-female complement of Sky Nannies will be to provide qualified professional attention and care from the moment of boarding the flight to the end of the journey. This will include keeping children entertained and fed, giving parents a breather.
"Gulf Air is committed to surprising and delighting its customers and to delivering the highest levels of service at every stage or a journey within our network whatever their age," says John Butler, Vice President Marketing and Sales at Gulf Air. "No other airline has gone to the lengths we have to provide a tailored service to our extensive mix of customers. With the introduction of this unique service, we are once more going the extra mile to deliver on this commitment."
Once the young passengers are seated and settled, the Sky Nanny, who will be identified on board by a special apron, will explain her services, which include checking dietary requirements, and keeping children amused with a range of English and Arabic books, comics and special children entertainment channels.
"This is all part of a larger programme for children which we will be introducing over the next few months. We are presently upgrading the children's menu to include new and healthy options," adds Butler. "Children's meals will be served ahead of the rest of the cabin to allow the youngest children to be assisted by their parents, which in turn gives the parents the freedom to fully enjoy Gulf Air's fine dining, without the usual distractions. Through the rest of the journey there will also be 'tooth friendly' snacks and drinks."
The entire programme of services, meals and entertainment has been designed using Norland College's knowledge, expertise and experience, which have been transferred to the world of aviation for the first time. Gulf Air joins the ranks of some famous names, including Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who appreciate the top class training combined with traditional values provided through the Norland's system.
A specially tailored childcare training course was developed for members of Gulf Air Flight Attendants selected as Sky Nannies.
"The College worked hand in glove with Gulf Air's in-flight services team on all aspects of this service such as the duties of the Sky Nanny, children's meals and in-flight activities for children of varying ages," explained Kay Crosse, the Principal of Norland College. "Flight Attendants have been given a foundation course in childcare and development, at the end of which they must demonstrate an understanding of how they can best meet the needs of babies, young children and their families that travel with Gulf Air."
Special focus was placed on learning about children's physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development, how to manage children's behaviour in a positive manner and how to provide suitable activities for young children when travelling.
"This unique initiative illustrates our commitment to serving all our customers in ways which best suit their requirements," said Mr. Butler. "In short.=, we aim to ensure that our youngest passengers have a memorable pleasant travel experience."
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 45 cities in 33 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 33 aircraft.
The airline is in the first year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President & Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline's aim is to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.
About Norland College
Norland College was founded in 1892 by Emily Ward and is internationally recognised as the premier provider of childcare training and educaton. Norland trained early years professionals, that have graduated from a two-year training course at the College in Bath, are employed world-wide as Nanies, Nursery Nurses and in other positions in a variety of early years settings. Norland graduates earn the top salaries, clinch the most sought after posts and enjoy a busy life often working for the rich and famous. Such is the reputation of the quality of training at Norland College that the demand for Norland graduates always exceeds supply.
Issued by Gulf Air- Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
P.O.Box 138, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: +973 338202/338821 Fax: +973 338207
Cable: GULIFAV BAHRAIN Telex: 8255 GULFHQ BN
email: publicreations@ gulfairco.com.
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