Proflight’s Dispatch Team:
The Pulse of the Airline’s Operations
Working behind the scenes to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time is Proflight Zambia’s dynamic Operations Control Centre (OCC) team, also known as Flight Dispatch. Led by Helen Silungwe, the OCC team is the ‘oiling agent’ that ensures smooth and seamless operations across the airline. Her passion for her work is evident as she describes her team’s critical role in the airline’s overall success.
“OCC is the nerve centre of Proflight, handling everything from crew management to fleet maintenance, scheduling, and flight documentation, to name a few,” Ms Silungwe shares.
The OCC team starts early daily, collecting weather updates and ensuring aircraft are serviceable. “We always ensure that a plane in peak condition is ready to fly at a moment’s notice with contingency plans in place. Additionally, we obtain clearances from relevant authorities in Zambia and the region for all flights,” Ms Silungwe explains. Meticulous planning is essential for maintaining Proflight’s excellent punctuality record.
Operating in two shifts, the team works tirelessly from dawn until the last flight lands and all passengers have disembarked. They handle flight following, tracking the progress of each flight, and communicating with ground staff to manage any delays. “Safety is our top priority. We strictly follow operational and safety procedures at all times to ensure that all flights are safe,” Ms Silungwe emphasises.
Ms Silungwe is particularly proud of her team’s training: “The OCC undergoes stringent training. Every department member is trained formally and through in-house programs to understand their responsibilities fully. This dedication to continuous improvement ensures that the OCC team can handle the fast-paced, highly regulated aviation environment.”
Punctuality is crucial for Proflight, as delays can have a ripple effect, disrupting passengers’ connections with other airlines. “We make sure passengers connect smoothly to other flights, which is vital for our business,” Ms Silungwe states.
Ms Silungwe has encouraging words for those aspiring to join the aviation industry: “It is an interesting, busy industry that needs more staffing. If you are willing to learn and adapt, you might likely thrive here.”
At the core of its responsibilities are flight planning, weather monitoring, aircraft performance analysis, coordination with pilots, fuel management, flight monitoring, and emergency support. This comprehensive oversight is crucial in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of Proflight’s flights. Every decision taken here is crucial and also affects the overall performance and effectiveness of the business.
The OCC team’s hard work and dedication are critical to Proflight’s commitment to delivering smooth, timely, and safe journeys for all its passengers.
