Quick Facts
- Type
- Operational Metric
- Definition
- The time from when an aircraft pushes back from the gate (blocks out) to when...
- Used By
- Airlines, Pilots
Definition#
A block hour is measured from the moment an aircraft first moves under its own power at departure (block off / push back) to the moment it comes to rest at the arrival gate (block on). It is the standard measure of aircraft utilization.
Why It Matters Operationally#
Airlines generate revenue during block hours. Aircraft utilization (block hours per day) is a key efficiency metric — typically 10–14 hours/day for narrow-body aircraft. Delays reduce available block hours.