Mr. Hodge was at the time delivering the feature address at the airline's Activity's Club end of year dinner which was attended by employees and family members. The event which was held at the Diamond Chateau in Cole Bay attracted a significant number of employees. Hodge said that while he has the detailed figures regarding the company's performance in 2009 he refused to disclose same noting that the event was geared at recognizing some employees who he said went beyond the call of duty so as to ensure the continued growth of the airline.
He reminded employees that while the airline paid out its symbolic bonuses for 2009 that they should not become complacent as 2010 will be as tough as the previous year. He admitted that since taking over the reigns as managing Director of Winair 2009 has been his most difficult and challenging year.
The MD declared that every area of service is critically important if the airline which have been in existence for the past 48 years is to continue growing. He urged his employees to be more involved in lending what he called a 'helping hand' in ensuring that Winair remains viable, reliable and accountable. Hodge said that while he and his Management Team have been able to confront the many and increased challenges during 2009 it was characterized by a constant need to respond to the many growing challenges in effectively running an airline company. "It is important to note though that we were never caught off guard as the level of service delivered by you kept us on guard thus being able to confront the difficulties," he said.
He told staff members that as the company move forward with yet another uncertain year that is of paramount importance for the survival of the airline will the initiatives and systems that are introduced to the public. He said that these initiatives and systems are geared towards remaining competitive and ahead of their competition. He demanded that employees must be able to enhance their productive capacity and also the capacity as an airline thus being able to thrive successfully.
"We must recognize that the way we did business in 2009 cannot continue any more as with each passing day so must our level of service and competence increase as the challenges face both competitively and economically continues to increase," he said
He added, "I urge each team member to recognize that he/she will certainly have to raise their production level of service thus ensuring that Winair can compete properly". He went on to point out that on the issue of eradicating incompetence and lackadaisical approach to responsibility he made mention some employees who he said affected the overall performance if the airline during last year. "You the one who are carrying your fair load and even extra you have to pull them along and tell them that they are affecting the improvements of your company," he said. He stressed the need to continue promoting the airline as one for the people of the region noting that if employees are going to increase the company's revenue and job security they would need to give high service and productivity thus leaving an indomitable impact on customers. "We must carry out our daily tasks with urgency, pride, dignity and most importantly professionalism," he reminded staff members.