What aspect of aviation is described by the term 'block time'?

Block time refers to the total duration from when an aircraft leaves its stand at the departure airport (when it moves off blocks) to when it arrives at the destination and comes to a halt at the stand (when it blocks in). This measurement includes all movements on the ground and in the air, making it an important metric for airlines to understand operational efficiency, schedule adherence, and overall flight duration.

By focusing on this specific time frame, airlines can track their performance more accurately and manage fleet scheduling effectively. It encompasses taxiing both before departure and after arrival, as well as the actual airborne time, giving a complete picture of the flight's duration from departure to arrival. This is particularly useful for metrics related to punctuality and operational efficiency, which are critical for airline performance assessments.