Chapter 45: Board Meeting

At 10am they meet in the board room. Helena said “Well this is the first full board meeting for the new company GCVA. Gold Coast Vanuatu Airways. For the record I will list the people attending. Helena, Chairman, William, CEO, Joe, General Manager Australia, Engineer, (full name is Eugene Near), Manager plane operations. Ben, Suzanne, Legal, Fred, Finance. These are the directors of the company. Also in attendance is Lisa the Office Manager and note taker. Welcome all and I hope the titles are suitable to everyone.”

They all agreed it was acceptable.

Helena asked “Lets start with reports Engineer your on”

Engineer advised “All aeroplanes now up to standard and already feedback is they look and feel better. My crew in Vanuatu were very happy to be working on the planes and I would like to recommend all servicing, except emergency’s be carried out there. We did have to get some spare parts and have ordered more for servicing. We, I believe, are in budget.”

Helena asked Joe “Any concerns with servicing in Vanuatu?”

Joe advised “No, he has a bloody good crew and they did the work beautiful. I would support the recommendation for all except the small planes that cannot fly that far. We have to have some reason for Engineer to be here.” Smiling.

Helena advised “Agreed, good, carried. Joe your report please.”

Joe advised “The first thing we did after the merger was to increase the rates to what they were 3 years ago before they started discounting. All the other companies around have done the same. We are still cheaper than Brisbane and Sydney. All flights are now making a profit. The office girls did a ring around letting everyone know about the management change and merger. Booking started flowing in immediately. We are running at 60 to 70 % of capacity. I believe we need another 3 to 4 pilots and crew. This will allow growth and to bring on new ideas. As Engineer stated they has been quite a few complements of the standard of the flights and plane comfort.”

Helena said. “Just remember either Suzanne or I must be in attendance for all job interviews please, but go ahead with recruiting.”

William reported “Vanuatu is going along quite smoothly, we are around 70% capacity. So long as we are over 55% we are in profit. The engineering staff all enjoyed the extra work and payments they received. I personally thanked every one of them when CASA approved of the planes. They were impressed with our improvements and will not need another inspection for 3 years. The former company were on yearly inspections due to standard of work. We have another project “W” on the go, Helena I did buy a 36 seat plane for only $2m in lieu of $11m. The financiers just wanted to get rid of the plane in Fiji and we had the cash. And yes Engineer did check it out first. He also managed to obtained some $400,000 spare parts they were going to dump. I’m not asking any further questions on how he did it. Joe and I have daily contact at present to clarify expectations. His crew are loving the new planes and don’t want to return to the old ones. I am keeping my ear to the ground in case any further planes come available. I believe we have had a good takeover. With increase in booking we are doing something correctly.”

Helena said “Thank you William but what is Project W?”

William smiled “We will present the package to you shortly, Please allow our indulgence please?”

Harry mentioned ‘Drop it Helena it’s a surprise to thank you.’

Helena advised smiling “Ok I shall await the presentation.”

Ben advised “Company registration went extremely well and the airport authorities are impressed with you Helena after that fuel and AFP instances. They are all looking forward to working with us. Employment contracts drawn us and awaiting the 3 month trial period. I have not had any further tasks to do.”

Fred advised “I have no financial information yet. Lisa, Trudy, Danielle and I reviewed the office procedures and I have made some small changes they they are happy to comply with. I believe Lisa will cover budgets.”

Helena advised “Lets have coffee and then Lisa can give her presentation.”
Danielle had some coffee ready and completed making all the coffees. It was a new machine and the coffee was very nice. Helena had two mugs of coffee to everyone else one. The biscuits and cake were eaten very quickly. Helena noticed Danielle was getting frustrated at the computer screen due to slowness. Helena walked over putting her hand on her shoulder. Harry went to work in reinforcing the ring on her finger. “What’s the problem Danielle?”

Danielle looked shocked “Sorry I’m not use to the chairperson speaking to me, the computer are around 6 years old and very slow on times Miss Helena.”

Helena smiled advised “Danielle I will always speak to you, you came in and help solved a major problem and have done a good job with the reception. Please never be scared to advise me or Lisa of problems. If we are not aware of them how can we fix any concerns? And by the way beautiful coffee, thank you.”

Danielle blushed and smiled. “Thank you Miss Helena.”

Everyone was drifting back to the board room. Helena called for order. “Lisa your report please but get Trudy in here to take notes whilst you are talking.”

Trudy came in and took over Lisa seat to the side.

Lisa said “Well It’s been a busy few weeks. Danielle has been a treasure and taken over Trudy duties very well, She asked to do some changes and they appear to be working very well. Trudy has been a godsend with her knowledge of the office work and again I commend her. Fred so called help with the accounting and has cut out some 50% of the time needed to record and file the information. Anyone who knows accounting knows that 50% time saving is massive and yes the office work is flowing beautifully now. A special thank you to you Fred for your help.

Booking have been increasing and we generally have 80% of the floor staff, pilots and plane crews busy at all times. This week we are in credit at the bank, no booking are being taken without a 50% deposit, 25% non refundable, and payment by bank transfer or credit card on or before the day. Fuel payment are being done on a 7 day basis. Customs and airport tax being paid weekly. We have a roster of weekend work in the office which does need some twerking. I’m still awaiting a budget for the next six months to help establish a cash flow. That is my report.”