23 Januray 2014 – A nine-member delegation from the ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR), led by its current Chairperson, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr, visited the Area Control Center of the Ciampino Airport in Rome on January 18.

The Italian Air Navigation Service Provider (ENAV) arranged the visit. The ENAV delegation, led by its Director-General and Chair Mr. Massimo Garbini, presented to the ACR their plans to further expand in Africa and Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the fact that ENAV-Malaysia was launched in April 2013 in Malaysia. ENAV also conveyed its upcoming signing of a cooperation agreement with both the US Federal Aviation Administration and the civil aviation authorities of Canada.

During the visit, ENAV detailed the areas of excellence (aeronautical and consulting design, engineering, management consulting, flight inspection, training and research development) where opportunities for possible ACR-ENAV cooperation and partnership could be pursued. An on-site tour of the area control center was likewise conducted.

The ACR identified research and development, training for air traffic controllers and technology transfer with regard to its meteorological services, utilized for civil aviation and by navigation service providers. 

ENAV likewise stressed that their strategy is closely intertwined with the policies and priorities of the Italian Republic and thus can assure its partners that the Italian Government is with them in all their endeavors. 

The visit ended in a positive note, with ACR countries expressing keen interest in furthering air space and aviation-related engagement and cooperation with ENAV. END