Airline Introduces "Flying Nannies" to Help Children During Long-Haul Flights

(Photo: Etihad Airways)

Ever been on a long flight with a screaming baby? Etihad Airlines, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is working on a solution:

Acting as an extra pair of hands for put-upon parents, it is hoped the nannies will keep little ones amused while on board a plane.

Tricks up the orange-aproned nannies’ sleeves include face painting, puppets, magic tricks and origami. According to the airline, the nannies can help with entertaining children and settling them before bed, but will not be able to take children to the bathroom or off their parents’ hands entirely. For older children there are quizzes and tours of the galley.

Etihad expects to have 500 nannies, approved by Norland, a childcare training college in the UK, bringing order to the skies by the end of the year.

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