Etihad: UK call centre set to go live early in 2012

Etihad Airways has confirmed that its new call centre in Manchester is set to be operational by the beginning of 2012. Its personnel chief made the pledge after 25 staff members graduated from an intensive four week training course at the airline's headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Twenty-one agents, three team leaders and a quality executive will shortly return to Manchester to prepare for the launch, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said in a statement. Having completed their training, the graduates are now gaining experience in Etihad's Abu Dhabi call centre, handling calls from all over the world, it added. The call centre in Manchester will eventually employ about 160 people in the north English city, which has a big connection with Etihad and Abu Dhabi. The carrier increased its frequency to Manchester to a double daily service on August 1. Etihad's commitment to Manchester also includes the opening of an Etihad premium lounge at Manchester Airport in December 2010 - one of only four lounges outside its home base of Abu Dhabi, and the shirt sponsorship of the Manchester City Football Club. Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways' chief people and performance officer, said: "Etihad's fourth global call centre, in Manchester, is due to be operational by the start of 2012, creating 160 jobs for the local community. "We are delighted not only by the progress these graduates have made during their time in Abu Dhabi, but also by the high standards they have set. We are continuing to recruit in Manchester and the surrounding area for call centre staff members." Etihad Airways announced that Manchester had been selected as the location for its newest contact centre back in March. It also has call centres in Abu Dhabi, India and Australia.