ABOUT
ORAJe: The network of the USAIRE Student Awards
Created in 2013, ORAJe (Organisation des Rencontres Aéronautiques de la Jeunesse) is an association that consolidates the network of the USAIRE Student Awards’ finalists. The association’s goal is to both structure the USAIRE Student Awards community, but also to strengthen the link between young people and experienced professionals in the aerospace and defence industry. Now the ORAJe network consists of more than 300 finalists, some of which are now well-established professionals in their respective fields.
ORAJe seen by its Co-Presidents: Alexandre JEANJEAN & Nicolas PORCHERON
“We are proud of the ORAJe community, which brings together students and young professionals from the aerospace and defense industries. Spanning start-ups, major industry players, and public entities, this network aims to inspire vocations and strengthen connections between the younger generation and experienced professionals.
Joining ORAJe requires completing a demanding international challenge, including the submission of a 10-page paper. Such commitments, taken on alongside already busy academic schedules, show the passion, dedication, and rigor of our members. Beyond these achievements, ORAJe is above all a community of curious, open-minded individuals, always eager to exchange ideas and perspectives. We look forward to sharing some of these inspiring conversations with you.”
Discover ORAJe's activities
Dinners and networking events with industry leaders
Take part in ORAJe's exclusive dinners and networking events with industry leaders, in a priviledged setting.
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Exclusive and private site visits
ORAJe members are offered to attend exclusive and private visits of key industrial sites such as ArianeGroup's Vernon site, CDG airport, or the French BEA.
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Afterworks and teambuilding
Join ORAJe members in their get-together events all over France !
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Community engagement
Make an impact and help future talents unleash their full potential by joining ORAJe's volunteering programs such as 1 Jeune 1 Solution (in partnership with Airbus)
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Represent the youth at top aerospace conferences
ORAJe, in the framework of its partnership with La Tribune, has the opportunity to represent young professionals of the industry at world-class conferences (Paris Air Forum, Paris Air Show, etc.)
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Share your passion and teach French middle-school students
In the framework of its partnership with the French Air Force, ORAJe invites its members to teach French middle-school students to prepare them for their "BIA" (Brevet d'Initiation Aéronautique).
Show MoreThe team behind ORAJe
Board
CO-PRESIDENT: Alexandre JEANJAN
Airlines Key Account Manager at Groupe ADP, CDG Airport
Passionate about aviation, Alexandre completed a double Masters in Aerospace Engineering (ESTACA, France) and Air Transport Management (Cranfield University, UK). He then joined Groupe ADP's graduate program and recently joined CDG Airport as airline key account manager, interacting daily with a portfolio of 65 air carriers. Alexandre has been involved in ORAJe since his second prize in the USAIRE Student Awards edition of 2023, with his teammate Mathieu GOUJAT. "My passion for aeronautics started in my early travels as a kid and got cemented by the BIA, my engineering school and the PPL. It is amazing to be working in a sector where dreams, science and economics all come together."
TREASURER: Mathieu GOUJAT
Combat System Engineer at Naval Group
Mathieu has won the 2nd prize of the 2023 USAIRE Student Awards. He currently works as a combat system engineer for Naval Group in Lorient. Seeing aerospace as a synonym for freedom, he first studied aeronautical engineering at ESTACA and then graduated with an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University.
CO-PRESIDENT: Nicolas PORCHERON
Air Traffic Controller at DGAC
Nicolas is a former Air Traffic Controller in the French Navy, having served at Hyères Naval Air Station, on board the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and at an airbase in Mali. He joined ENAC in 2022 to pursue a degree in Managing Safety and Operations in Aviation, with the aim of becoming a civilian Air Traffic Controller. He currently works in the control tower of Paris–Saclay Versailles Airport, employed by the DGAC. Working at the heart of aviation operations is his principal motivation. Nicolas joined ORAJe after becoming a finalist in the 2023 USAIRE Student Awards, and has since been involved first as an active member and now as co-president. “After 12 years of commitment to the sector, ORAJe came to me as a wonderful opportunity to nurture my passion for aviation, through encounters, visits, and the sharing of experience.”
SECRETARY: Hadrien LEHMANN HERFORT
Engineering Student at IPSA
Currently completing his final year at IPSA as a Production and Maintenance Management Engineer, Hadrien is a finalist of the 2021 USAIRE Student Awards. Passionate about travel and backpacking, he developed his passion in the aeronautics industry along the way. His journey also took him into the space sector, where he led a team of 18 students on a project that earned him the opportunity to take part in a parabolic flight during a CNES campaign. Through his experience as a sailing instructor over four summers and his travels, Hadrien has developed an awareness of environmental issues, while remaining conscious of the path ahead and the need for continued development. As of February 2026, he will join Air France Industries for his final year internship.
Extended board
COMMUNICATION & DEVELOPMENT: Kanto RAVELOJAONA
PMO in Quality at Airbus
Originally from Madagascar, Kanto chose aerospace early on, even though the industry is almost nonexistent in her home country. She pursued this path by studying engineering and later joining Airbus, where she works as a Project Manager in Quality on behalf of Akkodis. Her role focuses on coordination, operational rigor, and supporting continuous improvement. Kanto joined ORAJe after winning the USAIRE Student Award in 2023. Through events such as the Paris Air Show, she discovered the industry from a new perspective, reinforcing her desire to contribute actively to the community. « ORAJe has opened doors for me, offered new perspectives, and helped me find my place in this industry. Now that I am part of this community, it feels natural to contribute in return and support the association as it grows. Being involved is my way of giving back to a group that has already given me so much. »
1J1S: Bastien CONTI
Retrofit Systems Manager at Airbus
Passionate about aeronautics, Bastien pursued his passion by enrolling at ESTACA. This engineering school enabled him to deepen both his technical and human knowledge through associative experiences and internships. This passion also led Bastien to take part in the USAIRE Student Awards 2022. After graduating in 2023, he seized the opportunity to join AIRBUS to start his career in the customer service department. In addition to ESTACA and AIRBUS, you'll find Batien flying across the French Pyrenees thanks to his private pilot's license.
Honorary President
HONORARY PRESIDENT: Michel DUBARRY
Ex-President of Rolls-Royce Europe and North Africa
Michel Dubarry, President of Rolls-Royce Europe and North Africa between 2008 and 2023, is the founder of the USAIRE Student Awards. At the time, his goal was to bridge the younger generation and aerospace industry professionals. As the Executive Vice-President of USAIRE, Michel Dubarry greatly contributed to develop the contest and consolidated the Awards' alumni network by creating ORAJe in 2013. Since 2017, Michel is also President of the Fondation Bordeaux Université, pursuing his engagement for the youth.
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