What does "block to block" mean in aviation terminology?

The term "block to block" in aviation specifically refers to the duration from the departure gate of an aircraft at the origin to the arrival gate at the destination. This time frame includes the entire aspect of the flight operation, starting when the aircraft is "blocked in" at the gate (meaning the chocks are in place to secure it) until it is blocked in again at the destination gate.

This measurement is important for airline scheduling and operational efficiency, as it accounts for all aspects of the flight, including taxiing, takeoff, cruising, descent, and landing. Thus, it offers a comprehensive view of the total time an aircraft is out of its gate, which is critical for logistical coordination and passenger flow management.

In contrast, the other options either refer to specific segments of flight operations, such as just the in-air portion, or maintenance activities that do not pertain to the overall journey from gate to gate.