Flight Dispatchers Association of Nigeria (FLIDAN) has requested that Flight Dispatchers’ type-ratings be stamped on their licenses to enhance accountability and safety, that mandatory logbooks for dispatchers, akin to those used by pilots, to document and preserve critical experience gained on the job be introduced.
President of FLIDAN, Daniel Ayuba, who made the call in his welcome address at the FLIDAN
Annual Conference held in Lagos with the theme, Flight Dispatchers-The Ground Crew Behind Safe And Successful Flights, said there must be policies ensuring consistent job placements and on-the-job training opportunities for new graduates.
Ayuba,further said airlines must foster transparency and fairness in salary structures, empowering Flight Dispatchers with the respect and compensation they deserve while reminding that less than two months ago, the association lost a dedicated Flight Dispatcher who collapsed and died on the tarmac with others remain hospitalized due to overwork and poor conditions.
He added that Flight Dispatchers are the unseen pilots, commanding operations from the ground to ensure safety in the skies.
Also speaking, the 2nd Vice President of Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Dr. Alex Nwuba, who agreed with Ayuba, said Flight dispatching is a demanding task that requires meticulous attention to detail, sound decision-making, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Nwuba, while identifing key issues affecting Flight Dispatchers as long and irregular work hours, high-pressure environment, limited work-life balance, lack of recognition and appreciation, suggested strategies to improve thier work conditions as optimized shift scheduling, effective stress management techniques, enhanced work-life balance, and career development opportunities.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s former Ambassador, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni equally highlighted challenges facing flight dispatchers as being overworked, low remuneration with an average pay of 200,000 naira per Month, poor medicals and high unemployment among qualified dispatchers.
He also proposed a five year capacity development road map for flight dispatchers, saying a committee should be set up to draft such a road map using relevant documents in the Aviation Sector.
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