Aviation For Youth
Enrico Pizzini
Retired Milan Bergamo Airport Director
Topics: Airport operations, leadership, teamwork, crisis management, and professional growth
From Cargo Clerk to Director
“I started from the very bottom… my first position was junior cargo clerk.”
Enrico’s aviation journey began in the cargo halls of British Airways, where he spent over two decades learning every corner of the industry. What defined his career wasn’t luck; it was training. From opening the door of a Concorde to leading teams of hundreds, continuous learning became his north star. He credits “Mama British Airways” for teaching him not just the technical side of aviation, but the art of teamwork, empathy, and professional discipline.
Building Teams Like Families
“Your first customer is your colleague.”
Enrico learned early that leadership starts with respect. To him, airports were living ecosystems; teams weren’t just coworkers, they were families. Whether leading ground handlers or customer service agents, he built unity through communication and care. He believes great leaders aren’t defined by authority, but by the trust they inspire in their teams.
Leading Milan Bergamo Airport
“My role was to harmonise all these complexities.”
As Director of Terminal & Movement Operations at Milan Bergamo, Enrico’s days began before sunrise with the “first wave meeting”, a full rundown of flights, staff, and weather conditions. From coordinating air traffic control to managing emergency rehearsals, every decision demanded precision and composure. His philosophy was simple: stay available, stay human. “When you’re always there for your people,” he says, “they’ll always be there for you.”
Lessons in Leadership
“If you act genuinely, your team will follow you anywhere.”
For Enrico, leadership isn’t built in a classroom, it’s built on the tarmac. His secret? Emulation—leading by example. He walked the ground with loaders, visited staff changing rooms, and rewarded dedication beyond the rule book. During a major 737 runway incident in 2016, off-duty staff rushed in to help without being asked. That, he says, was the true sign of a family built on trust and respect.
What He’s Most Proud Of
“Leaders who don’t listen will be surrounded by people with nothing to say.”
Enrico’s proudest achievement wasn’t an award or title, it was introducing Italy’s first airport-wide focus on unruly passenger management, improving safety for staff nationwide. More than that, it was the lasting relationships he built. Even years after retirement, colleagues still greet him with warmth at Bergamo Airport. “You don’t just leave behind reports,” he says, “you leave behind emotions.”
