FIJI Airports Controller of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Kalesi Samanunu Cagi has been certified as Fiji’s first Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF)-endorsed Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) Designer.
According to Fiji Airports, this historic achievement not only elevates the technical capabilities of Fiji’s aviation sector, it also marks a significant step forward for women in aviation, reinforcing Fiji Airports’ commitment to nurturing local talent and championing diversity in high-skill and high-impact roles.
“Ms Cagi’s dedication, expertise, and leadership demonstrate the talent we are proud to foster,” Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said.
“Her success highlights our commitment to building future-ready aviation professionals in Fiji, for Fiji and the Pacific.”
He said since taking the helm of AIS in 2023, Ms Cagi had been able to grow the AIS unit from three staff to 13 AIS specialists, 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,” Mr Nawari said.
“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.”
Mr Cagi said this certification represented a step forward for the next generation of aviation professionals interested in Instrument Flight Procedure Design.
“It proves that with the right support and positive mindset, 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 said.
Mr Nawari said Fiji Airports was now a 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.
He also commended CAAF for its collaborative efforts in reviewing and endorsing the CAAF Standard Document– Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider Document, a key milestone enabling this certification.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: Cagi’s historic achievement to be Fiji’s first certified IFP designer in Page 13 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Thursday, September 25, 2025
