Six questions for Schiphol Airport’s Josée
Are you a fan of our floor manager Josée, who appears on TV every week in the RTL5 programme ‘Schiphol Airport’? We are too! So it was time for a chat with this well-known Schiphol employee, who introduces herself here in six questions.
‘I’m 53 years old, live in Katwijk aan Zee and have been happily working at the airport for 9 years in various positions. I started as a Passenger Assistant at Axxicom, then worked for 7 years as a Special Assistant in the Flow Management department and have now been a floor manager within this department for 1.5 years. Since August you can see me in the television series ‘Schiphol Airport’, in which I give viewers a glimpse into my work at Schiphol.’
What does a floor manager do?
‘As a floor manager, I am responsible for a part of the airport and I ensure that operations there run as smoothly as possible. I am in contact with travellers and make sure that they can start or continue their journey in a relaxed way. But I also interact with various parties such as the control centre, security, the airlines and the cleaners. I can often be found in Departure Hall 3, one of the largest departure halls at the airport. There’s a lot going on there.’
What do you like most about your job?
‘The diversity – no day is the same. But also the interaction with travellers, because there is nothing better than being able to help people the best you can and see them leave with a smile. And finally, the sense of community. Schiphol is like a small village where everyone knows each other and because of this you really get the feeling that we are all in it together.’
What are the biggest challenges at work?
‘Even though we start our shift with a briefing, you never know how the day will go. I experience all sorts of things and there are plenty of challenges that I can’t prepare for. Unexpected crowds, for example. Then we need all available hands to help travellers the best we can and to ensure that they go through the process smoothly. But I am also sometimes called out for someone who has become unwell or who is having an asthma attack. Fortunately, this usually ends well.’
What’s it like to have a camera crew follow you?
'That took some getting used to at first. And for the camera crew too! I walk quite fast through the airport, so it was a bit of a scramble sometimes with all the cameras and stuff. It also took some getting used to for colleagues, because of course there is not always a camera crew at Schiphol and not all colleagues want to be in the picture.
Has much has changed since the show aired on TV?
‘Thanks to my position and because I have been working at Schiphol for 9 years, most colleagues already know me. But because of the series, my name is even known outside Schiphol! That feels really strange. The day after the first episode, I was at work minding my own business and was recognised several times by travellers. That felt quite strange, especially when they also wanted to have their picture taken with me. Since then, a lot has come my way, I have my picture taken every day and I get a lot of follow requests on social media. I notice that people really enjoy getting an insight into how the airport works. And it is just nice, down-to-earth Dutch TV. When I see my colleagues who also participate in the series, I notice that everyone is really themselves. And I also really have to laugh at myself in certain situations. I think, ‘Gosh Jos!’ But yes, that's just the way I am.’
‘Schiphol Airport’ can be seen every Tuesday at 20:30 on RTL5 or streamed on Videoland. ‘Schiphol Airport’ is produced by No Pictures Please and Fremantle Company.
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