Airline Dispatchers Federation Establishes Advanced Air Mobility Leadership; Appoints Jake Zelman as Chairman#####
AIRLINE DISPATCHERS FEDERATION
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #821
Washington, DC 20006
📧 adfboard@dispatcher.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 3, 2026
Airline Dispatchers Federation Establishes Advanced Air Mobility Leadership; Appoints Jake Zelman as Chairman
As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) transitions from concept and certification toward real-world operations, the Airline Dispatchers Federation (ADF) has taken a significant step to ensure operational readiness and professional oversight remain central to the industry’s evolution.
The ADF Board of Directors has named Jake Zelman as Chairman of Advanced Air Mobility, formalizing the Federation’s commitment to integrating aircraft dispatch expertise into AAM operations.
Zelman has been a leader and early adopter in the AAM space since its inception, advocating for the inclusion of dispatch principles, operational control, and safety management as foundational elements of AAM success. Throughout the industry’s formative years, he has served as the sole dispatch advocate focused on bridging traditional airline operational discipline with emerging AAM concepts.
“The AAM industry has reached a pivotal point,” Zelman said. “The conversation is no longer just about aircraft and certification — it’s about how these vehicles will be operated safely, efficiently, and at scale. Dispatchers bring decades of proven operational experience, and that perspective must be part of the AAM framework from day one.”
The Airline Dispatchers Federation is the only professional organization representing FAA-certificated Aircraft Dispatchers, and its engagement in AAM reflects a growing recognition that operational control, decision-making authority, and systemwide risk management will be critical as AAM enters service.
In his role as Chairman, Zelman will work with industry stakeholders, regulators, and ADF leadership to define the role of dispatch in AAM operations, support workforce development, and help shape operational best practices as the industry matures.
About the Airline Dispatchers Federation (ADF)
The Airline Dispatchers Federation represents the professional interests of certificated aircraft dispatchers and operational control professionals from aerospace companies, cargo and regional airlines, and every major U.S. air carrier.As of January 2025, ADF membership stood at 2,338 members. The vast majority of airline passengers traveling each day in the United States do so under the watchful eye of ADF members.
ADF is an all-volunteer organization, composed entirely of working dispatchers. In accordance with its bylaws, ADF is an **advocacy organization—not a labor organization—**dedicated to promoting safety, professionalism, and recognition for the dispatch profession.
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Airline Dispatchers Federation
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