What does "Outbound" refer to in an aviation context?

In aviation, "Outbound" typically refers to all operations concerning passengers and cargo leaving a station, which encapsulates the activities involved in preparing for departure. This can include boarding procedures, cargo loading, and ensuring that all systems are in place for a seamless takeoff. The term emphasizes the movement away from a starting point—usually an airport—indicating that actions and processes are geared towards a flight that has not yet departed.

The other concepts listed, such as aircraft arriving at a destination or aircraft waiting for departure, focus on different aspects of flight operations. "Outbound" specifically highlights the departure phase, which makes that choice the most appropriate in this context.