Dispatch is a procedure for assigning customers to taxicabs, couriers, emergency services, and other mobile units. Clients are matched to vehicles according to the order in which clients called and the proximity of vehicles to each client's pick-up location. Telephone operators take calls from clients, then either enter the client's information into a computer or write it down and give it to a dispatcher. In the first scenario, a central computer then communicates with the mobile data terminal located in each vehicle (see computer assisted dispatch); in the second, the dispatcher communicates with the driver of each vehicle via two-way radio. A taxicab (sometimes called taxi, cab, or hack) is a vehicle for hire which conveys passengers between locations of their choice. ... Couriers should not be confused with courtiers. ... Emergency services are public services that deal with emergencies and other aspects of Public Safety. ... A computerized device used in taxicabs, courier vehicles, service trucks, and emergency vehicles to communicate with a central dispatch office. ... Computer-assisted dispatch (also called CAD) is a method of dispatching taxicabs, couriers, field service technicians, or emergency services by computer. ...

Airline dispatch

In airline operations, dispatchers exert great authority over flights. A dispatcher shares legal responsibility for a flight's safety with its pilot, and may delay, divert or cancel a flight at any time. This checks and balances mechanism improves the safety of the dispatch system. A dispatcher typically must be licensed by the aviation authority of a country. The examination for the licence requires the candidate to demonstrate extensive knowledge in meteorology and aviation, to a level that is comparable to that of a holder of an airline transport pilot licence. A Boeing 747-400 belonging to Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the UKs largest airlines. ... The doctrine and practice of dispersing political power and creating mutual accountability between political entities such as the courts, the president or prime minister, the legislature, and the citizens. ...

See also: Flight Dispatcher The Flight Dispatcher (also Flight Operations Officer) in airline operations has great authority over flights. ...