What is defined as the expected departure clearance time (EDCT)?

The expected departure clearance time (EDCT) is specifically defined as the time assigned to a flight in a traffic management program. This time is crucial for managing airport and airspace congestion, allowing for more effective flow of air traffic. When a flight experiences potential delays due to traffic issues or other operational considerations, the management program assigns an EDCT to help ensure that departures are staggered and that capacity at both the departure and destination airports is optimized.

The significance of the EDCT is that it assists in maintaining a smooth operation within the air traffic network, thereby enhancing overall safety and efficiency. Other concepts, such as expected takeoff times or total flight durations, do not capture the essence of the EDCT, which is deeply rooted in traffic management strategies.