Dispatch Dispatcher
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
I was chief Dispatcher on duty when this position flight was enroute to ZZZ1 and about 30 minutes out at the time of event. MEL 24-X-X was on the aircraft prior to departure that inop the Number 1 generator. Crew reported over radio that the APU generator had failed and crew was down to Number 2 generator. Dispatcher referenced the QRH and found there was no procedure for this generator fault combination.At this time; I elected to get the Chief Pilot involved and explained the situation to him. After examining the QRH; it was decided that we were good to air return the aircraft to ZZZ as there was no procedure to follow up with. After discussing event with Director of Dispatch; it was realized that the aircraft should have gone to 'nearest suitable airport' per QRH CI.1.3. 3.Suggestions: I suggest that a comment be put in MEL 24-X-X stating that in the eventuality of losing another source of electrical power; the aircraft will need to proceed to nearest suitable airport. Also; a similar comment could be put at the beginning of QRH 6.4 (where the crew would probably go to) that would state if 'you are on single source of electrical power you must proceed to nearest suitable airport. I feel that something this important needs to be listed in multiple places.
Flight was enroute to ZZZ1 when the pilot contacted dispatch via VHF company frequency and stated they had lost the APU generator. The aircraft had the Number 1 engine driven generator on MEL 24-X-X and the QRH was consulted. The Chief Dispatcher and the Chief Pilot were consulted as a result of the phrasing stated in the QRH and a combined decision was made to have the aircraft return to ZZZ. The aircraft landed without further incident.Suggestions: The Chief Dispatcher has filled out a safety report pertaining to this decision as it pertains to nearest suitable airport with a single electrical source. After the fact; it is our understanding that nearest suitable airport of diversion does pertain to the condition the aircraft encountered.
Dispatchers reported directing flight crew with only one electrical generator source to return to departure airport instead of nearest airport.