TermOffBlock
Business termOff Block
Description

OffBlock is the departure of the Aircraft from its AircraftParkingPosition

An OffBlock time is defined as the time when OffBlock starts. 

Below is a list of the different OffBlock times that are defined by the ACI Data Dictionary with a high level description. See the term for details.

OffBlock times are very important for Airports. This is reflected in a set of different OffBlock times used for similar, but different purposes. The table below lists the defined OffBlock times, how they relate to each other and expected use. 

Allowed values


Comments


StatusApproved 2025-03-14
XML typeN/A, Concept
Equivalent terms

Notes on the relationship between off-block times.

ACI DD TermNotes
ScheduledOffBlockTimeThe Airline's schedule. Typically received in IATA flight messages (IataFlightInformationMessage). 
SlotScheduledOffBlockTimeThe ScheduledOffBlockTime as received from the AirportSlot system. It should be the same as the ScheduledOffBlockTime, but might differ. Some Airports are not strictly slot regulated, or not slot regulated at all.
AirlineEstimatedOffBlockTimeThe estimated OffBlock time as received from the relevant Airline, typically in IATA flight messages (IataFlightInformationMessage). This time is to a large extent to influence passenger behaviour (e.g go to gate).
EstimatedOffBlockTime

The Airline's operational OffBlock time from the flight plan. This is when the relevant Airline actually expect the aircraft to start moving.

ProbableOffBlockTimeWhat the Airport consider the most likely/probable time for OffBlock. This is the Airport's version of EstimatedOffBlockTime.
PublicEstimatedOffBlockTimeThis is the time that should be shown to the public/passengers when it differs from ScheduledOffBlockTime. There might also be restrictions on how early it's made available.
TargetOffBlockTime

The time that an Aircraft operator / handling agent estimates that an aircraft will be ready (all doors closed, boarding bridge removed, push back vehicle present, ready to start up) to push back immediately upon reception of clearance from the air traffic control tower.

PredictedOffBlockTimeA prediction based on information not usually available, for instance weather on other airports and en-route. Possibly from an AI system.
ActualOffBlockTimeWhen off-block actually happened.