Dispatching a long-haul international flight involves a complex set of procedures and the coordination of numerous departments within an airline. Unlike domestic flights, long-haul operations require additional steps and meticulous planning to ensure safety and efficiency.
The process begins with pilot training. Before a long-haul flight departs, pilots undergo extensive training on oceanic procedures, ETOPS regulations, and other operational specifications required by regulators. Airlines provide manuals that include "Ops Specs" and regional route guides for pilots to reference as needed.
As part of pre-flight preparations, maintenance teams perform ETOPS checks on the aircraft. These checks are necessary for flights more than an hour from a suitable airport in case of engine failure. The procedure includes checking hydraulic fluids, engine oil reservoirs, oxygen systems, tire pressures, and more. Only flights between continental Europe and Southern Africa generally do not require these checks due to their routing over land.