Olivier Chansou — French aerospace engineer and head of ENAC

Olivier Chansou (born 1965) is a French aerospace engineer and educator who has led the École nationale de l'aviation civile (ENAC) since 27 November 2017. He has a background in air navigation and IT.

Overview

Olivier Chansou (born 1965) is a French aerospace engineer and senior aviation manager. Since 27 November 2017 he has served as head of the French Civil Aviation University, the École nationale de l'aviation civile (ENAC). His professional background combines technical engineering training, information technology, and operational experience in air traffic management.

Education and training

Chansou graduated from ENAC as part of the IÉNAC L85 cohort and also holds a Master of Science in information technology. This combination of an aerospace engineering foundation with IT studies reflects a career that moves between technical design, systems development and operational control of air navigation services.

Before leading ENAC, Chansou worked extensively in air traffic management. He served in the Bordeaux air traffic centre, where he was director of four departments responsible for sectors of airspace, operational procedures and technical coordination. His roles there involved managing controllers, ensuring safety and overseeing modernization efforts for radar and communications systems.

Leadership at ENAC

As director of the national civil aviation academy, Chansou is responsible for academic programs, professional training, research partnerships and collaboration with aviation authorities. ENAC trains pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers and technicians and provides continuing education for the French and international aviation community. Under his leadership the school maintains links with industry, regulators and airport operators to keep curricula aligned with evolving safety and technology requirements.

Notable aspects and significance

Technical and operational mix: Chansou's career bridges engineering and hands-on air navigation management, bringing practical experience to aviation education.
Focus on modernization: His background in IT and operational centres informs priorities such as digitalisation of training and operational systems.
Institutional role: Leading ENAC places him at the centre of French civil aviation training and research, influencing workforce development and safety practices.

Further context

Chansou is often described in French civil aviation sources as an experienced manager of air navigation services and an academic administrator. Descriptions commonly label him an aerospace engineer; his institutional post is at the French Civil Aviation University (ENAC). His operational work included senior roles at the Bordeaux air traffic centre, where regional airspace management and controller training are core activities.