GM2 Article 2(3) Scope

FLIGHT DISPATCH Although the term ‘flight dispatch’ is included in the definition of ‘ground handling’ in Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 does not regulate those activities or their providers for the following reasons.

(a)The flight dispatch function is linked to the operational control system of an aircraft operator and is therefore considered a flight operations function, which is covered by Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and the associated AMC and GM. This function may be outsourced to a thirdparty service provider.

(b)The term ‘flight dispatcher’ is defined in Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and ICAO Annex 6, both regarding air operations, as an individual with specific qualifications and training compliant with ICAO Annex 1 who has specific tasks in the operational control system of the aircraft operator, including to support, brief or assist the pilotincommand in the safe conduct of the flight. The flight dispatcher function is considered a typical ‘flight operations’ function. The flight dispatcher’s tasks and responsibilities can be found in Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(c)The term ‘dispatcher’ is also used in ground operations, but it is not defined. For ground operations, the dispatcher performs a GH function that confirms to the aircraft operator’s flight dispatcher or the flight crew that all GH activities have been completed and that, from a GH perspective, the aircraft is prepared to leave the stand. Other terms may be used to describe this function, such as ‘ramp coordinator’ or ‘ramp supervisor’.

(d)Although the meaning of the term may be clear in the mind of the user, it is not always clear to others whether the user is referring to the function explained in point (b), related to the operational control system, or to the ground function explained in point (c). The confusion generated by the use of the same term to indicate two different functions may persist, as one usually associates a term only with tasks in the domain with which one is more familiar — that is, either air operations or ground operations, but rarely both. This may have safety implications due to the numerous interfaces between air operations and GH for operational procedures on the ground.

(e)To avoid the confusion described above, it is recommended that GH organisations avoid using the terms ‘flight dispatch’ or ‘(flight) dispatcher’ when describing typical GH tasks to prepare an aircraft for departure.