In the context of aviation, the acronym refers to Scheduled Time of Arrival. This designates the planned time an aircraft is expected to touch down at its destination airport. For example, if a flight is scheduled to land at 14:35, this time is its designated arrival time according to the flight plan.
Accurate arrival time estimations are critical for various aspects of flight operations, air traffic control, and passenger convenience. Airports use these estimations to manage gate assignments, baggage handling, and ground crew availability. Airlines rely on them for scheduling connecting flights and ensuring on-time performance. Passengers utilize this information for planning ground transportation, meeting arrangements, and overall travel logistics. Historically, disseminating this information has evolved from telegraphs and radio communication to advanced digital systems providing real-time updates. This evolution underscores the ongoing importance of precise arrival time predictions for the efficiency and smooth operation of the aviation industry.