Passengers boarding an aircraft have much on their minds, hoping for a safe and smooth flight. They may be entirely unaware of the myriad coordinated processes happening around them to ensure the efficiency and safety of the journey. Like a conductor of an orchestra, the aircraft dispatcher plays the key role in harmonizing all necessary turnaround procedures.

Role of the dispatcher

Airlines employ dispatchers to coordinate all aspects of aircraft turnarounds, the collection of processes that occur between flights to prepare the aircraft for take-off. Turnaround time (TAT) is an important benchmark for airlines, because an idle plane does not generate revenue. Our own analysis found that a short-haul airliner could add a flight per day if turnaround time was shortened by just eight minutes.

While airlines strive for operational efficiency, safety is also of paramount concern. The dispatcher monitors weather conditions, performs analysis on how the plane’s payload should be balanced to ensure stability and optimize the performance of the aircraft, and calculates the amount of fuel needed for the flight.

Dispatchers must give their permission for a plane to take off and have the authority to cancel a flight if they have safety concerns.

A day in the life of a dispatcher

A primary responsibility of the dispatcher is to create a flight plan for the pilot. This includes the route, altitudes, forecasted weather conditions along the route, and the fuel calculation based on weight and distance. Dispatchers will also inform the captain of the specifics of how the plane’s payload is positioned.

Dispatchers synchronize all activities of the ground crew in between flights. Turnaround tasks are interdependent and carefully sequenced to be as efficient as possible.

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During turnaround time, passengers disembark and embark on the left-hand side of the aircraft. Photo by Christian Lambert via Unsplash

When a plane lands, the ground team chocks the aircraft for stability. Passengers disembark via the jet bridge that is installed on the left-hand side of the plane. Next, a flurry of procedures transpire to ready the aircraft for its next voyage, including cabin cleaning, the safety technical check, refueling, catering, and loading of baggage.

The dispatcher closely coordinates with the ground crew on the timely completion of all turnaround tasks and will amend the schedule in the event of a delay. This individual will oversee the completion of pre-flight safety and maintenance checks, and make sure that all passengers and cargo are loaded. Finally, the dispatcher and pilot decide when to close the departure gate.

The dispatcher career path

Required qualifications for employment as a dispatcher vary by country and airline, but generally do not require advanced degrees. For example, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration requires dispatchers to hold a high school diploma or international equivalent. In England, most airlines require some General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs), likely in English and Maths.

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Instead of refueling, the Regent Seaglider will require a battery recharge. Photo: Pixabay

There are numerous aviation education programs around the globe offering specialized training courses to prepare students for a career in flight dispatching. Certified programs provide the requisite number of instructional hours needed to prepare job seekers for this role. Some airlines may prefer applicants with experience in other airport roles for their knowledge of airport and aircraft operations.