Flight Dispatcher Career (Europe/Middle East)

[millonario]

Dear fellow aviators,

I am considering in becoming a flight dispatcher somewhere in Europe or even somewhere in the Middle East. My characteristics/qualifications are as follows:

1. Age: 24
2. European Union Citizen
3. Australian Frozen ATPL holder
4. Bachelor degree in aviation management
5. Fluent in English, Spanish and Swedish.

With these qualifications, do I require anything else to secure a job as a flight dispatcher? American recruiters seem to require a flight dispatcher license issued by the FAA. Does the same apply for Europe/Middle East? If so, I am considering the Jeppesen school in Frankfurt....

Also, what are the job prospects? What can I expect as a starting salary? How does one progress through the years? My goal is to secure a job in one of the main airline careers in Europe or the Middle East.

I would appreciate any further suggestions and guidance.

Thanks!

[LukeA346]

Hello, I am also looking to possibly get my self a careers as a dispatcher some time in the near future. I have been looking at a few schools in particular a course that Jeppesen - Denver offers, FAA Dispatcher Certification Training Flight Operations Management - Level 2 (FOM-2)

Would be nice to see what responses are posted here. :ok:

Luke

[desertopsguy]

You will need a flight dispatcher licence to work in the middle east, pilot licence, aviation degree are all nice to have but won't get you into the flight dispatch office without a licence. Some Euro countries require it, some don't. Those that don't will almost always recognise your effort in getting one plus it gives you an excellent foundation on which to build.
Your pilot aspirations may also work against you.

Major carriers in M.East tough to get into without experience. Major Euro carriers tend to hire/promote from within but from time to time vacancies pop up however rarely for newbies.

Starting salary in M.East circa 2,500 USD tax free. In Europe probably bit more but with taxes deductable.

You progress through the ranks by keeping your ears open, learning as much as you can about your job and other departments, getting involved as much as you can, constantly educating yourself, which doesnt have to cost anything and not being afraid to speak up especially to some of your older/more experienced colleagues and the pilots. Some airlines hire the best they can find and provide excellent training, others hire the cheapest they can find and provide little or no training.
As a first timer looking for your first job then you may have to settle for a smaller operator and lower salary. M.East entry level positions tend to be at the dodgy charter carriers and many VVIP outfits that are especially found in UAE, avoid at all costs if you can.

As for schools, Can't comment on Jepps in FRA or DEN but the one in DXB is crap.

Sheffield in Fort Lauderdale has the best reputation.

Hope that helped, feel free to pm if you need more info.

D.O.G