Chapter 52: Board Meeting

Both Helena and Fred woke at 6am, dressed and went to the coffee shop for a hardy breakfast of sausage, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, toast and for Helena 3 cappuccino’s. They both felt hungry and Harry knew it was going to be a draining two days for them. Returning to the unit they showered and dressed in a professional business manner.

Julie arrived at 9am and took them to the airport. They would call her when to return to the unit. As soon as Helena entered she greeted Danielle, again she blushed and returning the greeting she then asking, “One, two or three today?”

Helena looked at her, Fred laughed. Danielle really smiled, Fred replied “Cappuccino’s darling, they know about your addiction.”

Helena saw the joke, smiled and requested “One for now please. Nice question Danielle.”

Danielle getting the complement blushed again, She could not get over how Helena, the chairman, was so civil to her after her last job. She really loved working for her and was looking forward to the next few days. Danielle introduced Cathy to Helena and got her to take over the reception role. Making Miss Helena cappuccino was Danielle personal pleasure to make, that was one role she would never delegate.

Helena and Fred continued into the board room. Inside sat Lisa.
“Good morning bosses.” Lisa remarked smiling.

Danielle entered shortly with 3 cappuccino’s One for each of them. They generally chatted awaiting Suzanne and the other men to arrive.

By 9.30 everyone was in the board room seated around the table. Helena welcomed them all to the board meeting. Ben started by reading the highlights of the previous meeting.

William, with a sly smile, gave his report advising even though the tourist trade in Vanuatu was down the business was running at 80% capacity. They had started to change planes over ready for next week musical event.

Engineer advised he has now serviced all of the planes in the combined fleet and was happy with all planes. He did replace some components that could have waited but he felt happier knowing they were fully serviced.

Joe advised the Australian operations, like Vanuatu was running at 80 to 85%. The pilots were very pleased with the plane servicing and have no problem advising any faults or funny feeling on the planes. They describe it to Engineer who immediately organises the correct service. They have not done any advertising yet as, at present, is there no capacity to take on more business. William and I have been looking quietly for any planes available. The planes operations have been split to under 10 seaters in our old shed and over 10 to this shed. People are funny, if they order an under 10 seater they want to see a small shed not a large one like this. Both Trudy and Danielle have been great in meeting clients and ensuring satisfaction. This caused smiles all around.

Danielle and Cathy came in with drinks for all at this time.

Lisa advised the computer system is installed and making a big difference to the staff. The staff are very happy and a lot of positive interaction between the pilots and admin. Cross training with the staff is progressing very well. Cathy, like Danielle is a quick learner and eager to learn. The web page is getting a lot of hits and your idea Helena of having some flights on screens and web page are attracting business. We have about 1600 seats out of a possible 20,400 only available for the musical festival weekend, the booking have been very high with most people paying up front for their seats to ensure they have them. Accounting is now in credit with the forward payments.

Fred advised all accounts are being paid on or before time. The airport corporation are very happy with our actions and have infact recommended some people to us, who made enquiries via them.