Block hours

Block hours refer to the total amount of time an aircraft is in operation, starting from the moment it leaves the gate at the departure airport until it arrives at the gate at the destination airport. 

Airlines track block hours to evaluate the efficiency of their flight operations and plan crew schedules and aircraft rotations.

Block hours are tied to operational costs, such as fuel consumption, maintenance, and crew wages. The fewer block hours there are, the lower the costs for airlines.