What does 'Open Time' refer to in aviation?

'Open Time' in aviation refers to sequences or portions of sequences that remain unassigned after the bid awards and monthly adjustments. This is important in crew scheduling and management, as it represents flight segments that need to be filled with crew members. These can be shifts that were not picked up by qualified personnel during the bidding process, allowing for flexibility in staffing as the airline adjusts to operational needs.

Understanding 'Open Time' helps in recognizing how airlines manage their workforce in real-time to ensure that all flights have adequate crew coverage, which is critical for safety and operational efficiency. It also allows crew members to pick up extra shifts, thus providing opportunities for additional work. This aspect of 'Open Time' reporting is essential for both operational planning and crew scheduling strategies.