The focus of the visit will be on bilateral relations and the RNP project, a symbol of cooperation between Switzerland and Italy in shared airspace
Lugano, 26 August 2025 – The Municipality of Lugano today had the honour of hosting H.E. Gian Lorenzo Cornado, Ambassador of Italy to Switzerland, on the occasion of a courtesy visit.
Ambassador Cornado, accompanied by the Attaché Lt. Col. Brandino Capparella, was welcomed by the Mayor of Lugano, Michele Foletti and the Hon. Marco Chiesa and the airport management. The meeting was an important opportunity for dialogue on bilateral relations, international cooperation and future projects.
In particular, the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) project for the new satellite approach was illustrated to Ambassador Cornado. This initiative has an important institutional value, as it concerns the technical and political cooperation between Switzerland and Italy in the management of the common airspace. Lugano Airport has set the goal of introducing satellite technology by 2027.
The implementation of RNP procedures is a key step not only to strengthen the operational security of the port, but also to consolidate cross-border coordination. The geographical location of Ticino, inserted in an air area dominated by Malpensa and Linate traffic, makes it essential to have a constant dialogue with the Italian authorities in order to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable trajectories.
Thanks to their precision, RNP procedures will reduce conflicts with traffic corridors, optimize flight profiles and contain environmental impact. In this sense, the project represents not only a technical intervention, but also a concrete example of bilateral cooperation, strengthening Lugano’s role as a strategic bridge between the two countries, for the benefit of common mobility, sustainability and security.
Lugano, 26 August 2025
Davide Pedrioli, Director Lugano Airport
