In this insightful interview, Ms Cristiana Cafiero, Director of Commercial Services, ENAV Group and Chief Executive Officer, ENAV Asia Pacific shares the story behind ENAV’s remarkable 13-year journey from Italy to Malaysia and across the Asia Pacific region.
With a deep-rooted Italian heritage in aviation excellence and innovation, ENAV has established a strong presence through meaningful local partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability.
Discover how ENAV blends global expertise with local collaboration to shape the future of air navigation services in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets!
Ms Cristiana Cafiero, Director of Commercial Services, ENAV Group and Chief Executive Officer, ENAV Asia Pacific
1. As an Italian company operating in Malaysia through local partnerships, how does ENAV bring Italian expertise and innovation to the aviation sector in the region?
Italy brings a long-standing tradition of excellence in air traffic management, safety and innovation. Through ENAV, the Italian Air Navigation Service Provider, this expertise translates into real-world solutions – from smarter airspace design to sustainable, efficient procedures. ENAV combines operational excellence with cutting-edge technologies and a data-driven mindset, adapting these strengths to support the unique and fast-evolving aviation landscape across the region.
From modernising airspace design to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability, our Italian heritage—marked by operational excellence, advanced technology, software platforms, next-generations solutions (such as digital tower or other advanced automation tools), continuous innovation and improvement – enables us to develop advanced solutions tailored to each country’s operational landscape.
2. How have local collaborations supported your efforts in delivering air navigation services and solutions across Asia Pacific?
Local partnerships are the heart of our operations. By engaging experienced subcontractors and recruiting local talent, we ensure that our solutions are not only technically sound but also culturally and operationally aligned. These collaborations bridge global expertise with local insights, enabling us to deliver projects with greater relevance, agility, and long-term impact. We’ve also worked closely with local authorities, ensuring full alignment with local regulatory and operational requirements.
3. Can you highlight a few impactful projects or milestones that showcase ENAV Asia Pacific’s contribution to regional air traffic management?
Absolutely. A key turning point came in 2012 when we won a major consultancy tender from the Malaysian government, followed by the incorporation of the local entity ENAV Asia Pacific.
The 46-month project introduced triple parallel approaches and simultaneous takeoffs, alongside a complete redesign of peninsular Malaysia’s airspace and comprehensive training for Air Traffic Controllers. It also laid the groundwork for the Kuala Lumpur Area Control Center (KL ATCC), tailored for the country’s traffic growth forecast for the next two decades.
In May 2014, phase 1 objective of the project was achieved, with the integration of KLIA third runway, KLIA second tower and the new airspace and procedures into operations. The successful delivery of this project led to ENAV Asia Pacific being appointed as Independent Checker Consultant (ICC) for the implementation of the New KL ATCC—one of the world’s largest area control centres. We also played a central role in the similar ICC project for the Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region in Borneo, completed in 2021.
These programs involved managing a diverse team of professionals from eight countries, alongside continuous support from ENAV Italy team. We oversaw everything from program and project management to technical validation, operational transition support, and airspace and procedure redesign. Notably, the migration to the new air traffic control centre was successfully completed on August 31, 2021, during Malaysia’s Independence Day—a complex technical and operational milestone that we are proud to have contributed to.
4. With sustainability being a growing priority in aviation, how is ENAV Asia Pacific supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly skies in the region?
Sustainability is not just a goal—it’s part of our DNA. Backed by the green strategies of ENAV, we implement intelligent solutions that optimize flight profiles, reduce fuel burn, and minimize CO₂ emissions. From redesigning airspace to implementing more direct flight routes and efficient descent profiles, we strive to make aviation cleaner and more efficient—without compromising safety or performance.
5. Would you like to share anything else with our readers ?
For over a decade, Malaysia has been a second home to us. Beyond the technical and operational achievements, it’s the collaboration, hospitality, and shared objectives that have made this journey truly fulfilling. Working alongside passionate local professionals and experiencing the country’s cultural richness and openness to innovation, has strengthened our team and broadened our perspective. We’re proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built and excited for what the future holds as we will continue to support Malaysia aviation’s players through our well-established collaborations in new and exciting ways as we move forward.
Ms Mihaela Neghina representing ENAV Asia Pacific at the Business Dialogue with the Italian Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Hon. Valentino Valentini, in April 2025 at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Celebration of Raya with their Clients, friends and colleagues
Project Workshop with Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia
Joyful and colorful wedding celebration of one of their team members
Learn more about ENAV Asia Pacific HERE
Want to get in touch with a representative of ENAV Asia Pacific? Contact us at info@italcham.my or whatsapp at +60189004816