Signing of Cooperation Agreement between Eindhoven Airport and Fontys

It may be a bit cliché, but you can hardly think of a better starting point for a stronger collaboration between an airport and a university of applied sciences than the terminal of Eindhoven Airport. Roel Hellemons, CEO of Eindhoven Airport, and Ralph van Disseldorp, Director of Fontys Economics and Communication (FEC), signed the cooperation agreement today.

Eindhoven Airport and Fontys had already found each other earlier. For example, the airport provided a case for the teachers' study day and shared its challenges with students during the Fontys Impact Challenge for the Commercial Economics program. With the signing, the collaboration is further deepened and broadened.

"We are delighted to now officially collaborate with Fontys. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at our airport through presentations, for example, and can work on real-life cases in the field of international mobility and sustainability," said Roel Hellemons. Ralph van Disseldorp is also enthusiastic: "As an educational institution, it is important that we know what is happening in the field. This way, we train students to become professionals who understand what the real world demands of them."

Fresh perspectives

Eindhoven Airport has long been focused on connecting the airport with education, for example, with a special information page for pupils and students. With this next step, that involvement is increased: students get more space to tackle real challenges of the airport. And that is not only beneficial for the students or Eindhoven Airport: "We really learn from the fresh perspectives of students. By collaborating with students, we not only bring in new ideas but also invest in the talent of tomorrow. This benefits not only the airport but the entire region," says Hellemons.

Logical match

With this, Fontys and Eindhoven Airport are building a bridge between education, research, and practice. A good match in the Brainport region, where both organizations are firmly rooted and where collaboration between business and education goes hand in hand. "Our teachers are close to practice, and the practice-oriented research we do aligns with themes that play a role in this region. This makes this collaboration very logical," says Van Disseldorp.

Working in the broader society

For many students, working for a real client is their first introduction to the field. But it is precisely this knowledge that can prepare them for their first job in the broader society.