Fiji’s first certified IFP Designer – a milestone achievement for Fiji Airports

Fiji Airports proudly celebrates a landmark in aviation excellence and talent development with the certification of Ms. Kalesi Samanunu Cagi, Controller of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), as Fiji’s first Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF)-endorsed Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) Designer.

This historic achievement not only elevates the technical capabilities of Fiji’s aviation sector but also marks a significant step forward for women in aviation, reinforcing Fiji Airports’ commitment to nurturing local talent and championing diversity in high-skill, high-impact roles.

Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Nawari, said, it’s a milestone achievement for Fiji Airports and a proud moment for the aviation industry. “Ms. Cagi’s dedication, expertise, and leadership demonstrate the talent we are proud to foster. Her success highlights our commitment to building future-ready aviation professionals in Fiji, for Fiji and the Pacific.”

Since taking the helm of AIS in 2023, Ms. Cagi through significant management support has been able to grow the AIS unit from just 3 staff to now working with 13 AIS specialists in delivering safety-critical aeronautical information services. Her certification authorises her to design, review, and maintain instrument flight procedures in Fiji, a critical function ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft across all airports in Fiji.

Her responsibilities will include obstacle assessments, terrain analysis, and the coding of procedures for flight management systems, forming the backbone of safe, precision-based air navigation.

“This certification represents a step forward not just for me, but for the next generation of aviation professionals who are interested in Instrument Flight Procedure Design,” said Ms. Cagi.

“It proves that with the right support and positive mind set, our technical excellence and leadership in the aviation sector can grow right here in Fiji, and I’m proud to be part of that journey,” she adds.

Fiji Airports is now one step closer to its goal of establishing a fully accredited IFP Office within the country, reducing reliance on external service providers and building sovereign capabilities in line with international standards.

The organisation also commends the CAAF for their collaborative efforts in reviewing and endorsing the CAAF Standard Document ? Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider Document, a key milestone enabling this certification.

As Fiji Airports continues to invest in its people and infrastructure, this achievement underscores its role as a regional aviation leader, committed to delivering world-class, safe, and future-facing air navigation services.

Kalesi Samanunu Cagi, Controller of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) with her Certificate. This sees her as Fiji’s first Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF)-endorsed Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) Designer. With her is Controller Standards/Search and Rescue- Air Traffic Management Ilimeleki Navula.