Quote:
"With functions becoming increasing remote form the AIrport, the role of the Dispatcher should be becoming even more important and although 'jack of all trades' a dispatcher must be master of most of them and at least a journeryman in the rest, yet the pressure to reduce the Dispatchers Status and role, which has always been there, has (from conversations I have had over the last two years) actually begun to happen. This is happening at a time when the role and therefore the Status (and consequently Training) of Dispatchers should be enhanced."
There is the alternative view in that the role of the Dispatcher, within certain operating parameters, can be made redundant.
This systerm has worked successfully at large bases for several carriers and is a function of the CLC planning and communicating the load and any restrictions; crews self brief and the aircraft have ACARS/AIRCOM; the Ramp team leader takes responsibility for loading and communicating deviations and signing off the loading; and the passenger boarding team taking responsibility for the passenger load and any deviations and signing off the laod. All other servicing agents (catering, fuel, cleaners etc.) are contracted directly by the carrier on time related contracts.
When everyone is trained correctly and companies take responsibility for the delivery of their service the Dispatcher role becomes redundant.
I do not advocate this as the ideal, and it does not work in all environments, but the 'old' role of the Dispatcher has changed massively over the years and will, as the products technology develop, change further. One of the drivers of this is the change in aviation, the LCC's, and their operating models (no cargo, catering only at 'x' stations, limited cleaning, needs related TSU/WSU etc.) have changed the dynamics of the requirements of an aircraft turnround and some of the older skills are just not needed.
Aviation is now a very complex and varied industry. Competence of the individuals, in whatever role they are fulfilling, achieved by adequate training and experience is the safest solution.
GH