Global standardization of operational control in the era of AI and rapid automated flight planning.
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence and automation into flight operations presents significant safety risks due to global disparities in operational control standards and the erosion of human oversight. This paper calls for ICAO-led harmonization of dispatcher qualifications , AI governance , and human-centric frameworks to ensure that automation enhances—rather than replaces—the critical judgment and accountability of certified Flight Dispatchers worldwide. Background information and possible updates a) note IFALDA’s observations regarding the ICAO's flight dispatcher provisions under Annex 6, Part I; b ) IFALDA feels AI encourages the need to develop enhanced Annex 6 SARPs providing definitive guidance on operational control personnel qualifications and standardized control tiers; c) this would require revising or developing new USOAP Protocol Questions to assess State implementation of relevant Annex 1 and Annex 6 dispatcher provisions; d) this would require ...