What does Airport Acceptance Rate (AAR) refer to?

Airport Acceptance Rate (AAR) refers to the specific rate at which aircraft can safely land at a given airport within a defined time frame, typically expressed as the number of aircraft able to land in one hour. This measure takes into account various factors influencing landing capacity, such as runway availability, air traffic control procedures, weather conditions, and overall airport traffic management.

Understanding the AAR is crucial for airport operations and planning, as it helps determine how many flights can be accommodated during busy times, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimizing delays. AAR is essential for maintaining safe separation between landing aircraft and managing the flow of air traffic, especially during peak periods when demand for landing slots may exceed availability. This contrasts with other options that either misinterpret the concept (like aircraft takeoff rates or scheduled flights) or address different aspects of airport operations.