EXHIBIT 31.1

                                  CERTIFICATION

I, Walter Alessandrini, certify that:

      1.       I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of Avanex
               Corporation; and

      2.       Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue
               statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
               necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
               circumstances under which such statements were made, not
               misleading with respect to the period covered by this report.

Date:  January 16, 2004

         /s/ WALTER ALESSANDRINI
         -----------------------------------
         Walter Alessandrini

         President and Chief Executive Officer