Michel Wachenheim facts for kids

Michel Wachenheim was born on January 16, 1951, in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France. He is a French ambassador. An ambassador is like a country's representative in another country or at an international group. He also represents France at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is a special group that helps make sure air travel is safe and organized worldwide.

Michel Wachenheim's Journey in Aviation

Michel Wachenheim studied at two important schools in France. He went to École polytechnique and École nationale de l'aviation civile. These schools helped him become an aerospace engineer.

After finishing his studies, he started his career in 1977. He worked in the department that manages air traffic. This means he helped make sure planes fly safely and smoothly.

In 1979, he moved to Aéroports de Paris. This company manages the airports in Paris. He first worked as an air operations manager. Later, in 1983, he helped develop French airports.

Michel Wachenheim continued to work in aviation. In 1986, he became the technical director for a French air transport institute. Then, in 1993, he managed the economy for the Direction générale de l'aviation civile. This is a big government group that oversees civil aviation in France.

In 1995, he became a technical manager for the Secretary of State for air transport. He returned to Aéroports de Paris in 1997. There, he worked as an adviser and later became the Chief of Staff for the President of the company.

In 2002, Michel Wachenheim became the head of the Directorate General for Civil Aviation. He held this important position until 2006. After that, he became the vice-president of Eurocontrol for one year. Eurocontrol helps manage air traffic across Europe. During this time, he also joined the boards of several big companies. These included Air France, Aéroports de Paris, and Safran.

In 2007, he became the Chief of Staff for Dominique Bussereau. Mr. Bussereau was the Minister of Transport at that time. Finally, in 2009, Michel Wachenheim became the French ambassador. He now represents France at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Michel Wachenheim is married and has three children. He has also received a special honor called Officier de la Légion d'honneur. This is a very high award in France. An institute that trains people for air transport even named their 2009-2010 class after him.