Occupation
Flight dispatcher
Flight dispatchers plan and release flights from an airline operations centre, working out routes, fuel, and payload within legal and weather constraints. In several jurisdictions the dispatcher shares operational control of the flight with the captain, which makes it a licensed, accountable role. Dispatchers also monitor flights in progress and coordinate the response when conditions change.
Also known as: Aircraft dispatcher · Flight operations officer · Flight operations controller · Flight planner
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Occupation content
Part of Supply chain, transport and logistics
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Build flight plans covering route, altitude, fuel, and alternate airports.
Analyse weather, notices to air missions, and airport or airspace restrictions.
Check weight, balance, and payload limits against the planned aircraft.
Brief and release the flight with the captain and file the plan with air traffic services.
Monitor flights in progress and recommend reroutes, diversions, or delays.
Coordinate with maintenance, crew scheduling, and station staff during disruption.
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
An approved aircraft dispatcher certification course where the jurisdiction licenses the role.
A college aviation management or flight operations diploma.
Progression from airline operations, load control, or crew scheduling roles.
Transferring from a flight crew or military operations background into dispatch.
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Regulated in most jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Desk based
- Shift work
- High responsibility
- Fast paced
- Team based
Desk based · Shift work · High responsibility · Fast paced · Team based
Related interests
- Conventional (organizing)
- Investigative (analytical)
Conventional (organizing) · Investigative (analytical)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Related learning
Family-level learning links for Supply chain, transport and logistics.
Official sources
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Supply chain, transport and logistics in Canada, not a figure for Flight dispatcher. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Supply chain, transport and logistics family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Supply chain, transport and logistics: education pathways
Some roles in Supply chain, transport and logistics may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Supply chain, transport and logistics: licensing
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