Name: Jeroen Stam

Function: Senior projectmanager Airport Development at Eindhoven Airport

The highlight of the terminal expansion? For Jeroen Stam, Senior Project Manager Airport Development at Eindhoven Airport, it's an easy question. "When we go above ground and the steel columns of the entrance hall are standing." Jeroen is looking forward to it. Of the expansion, the entrance hall is his favorite because of 'the beautiful construction and the inviting design.' "The entrance hall will really be an eye-catcher; a calling card for departing and arriving passengers."

Construction is expected to go above ground around the summer vacation. The construction of the entrance hall will start in November. The expansion will be completed in the summer of 2027. For Jeroen, this is the highlight in the longer term. "When the first passengers arrive and go through the gate. After all, you do it for them."

Jeroen has been working at the airport for about five years. Before he started on the expansion, he worked on the new environmental street of the airport, which was concentrated in one place near the logistics center. He also took on the construction supervision for the installation of the new line gutter on the platform. He started working on the monster task: the expansion of the terminal about 3.5 years ago. He calls the task in terms of complexity and size 'the Eredivisie.'

"It's great to work on such an important project as an Eindhoven resident, which is also in the spotlight." According to him, the fact that work has to be done while airport operations continue makes it extra challenging. Jeroen ensures that the right people are at the table and that they do the right things. "I organize, check, keep an overview of all sub-projects, and ensure that we stay within budget and schedule." Together with the responsible project manager from Heijmans, he takes care of the overall management of the project. Jeroen likes to sink his teeth into the challenges that come his way. An example of this is the groundwater level, which was higher than previously estimated due to earlier extreme rainfall. "Anyway, everything underground is the hardest; from cables and pipes that need to be found and relocated to pollution and the higher water level."

Jeroen enjoys making something tangible from the first thoughts and lines on paper. He is also convinced that the passenger experience will improve with the terminal expansion. "There will not only be much more space but also more services and comfort, for example, because we are adding a moving walkway for arriving passengers."

The project manager will be busy with the terminal expansion for years to come. What if it's ready in the summer of 2027? "Then I will breathe a sigh of relief that we have accomplished it and say goodbye to this beautiful project. And maybe it's time for a longer vacation."