Plain English Meaning

It is a way for pilots to receive things like weather reports and clearances as printed text messages in the cockpit, instead of listening to them on the radio.

Full Definition

A datalink service that delivers flight information — such as terminal weather (ATIS), pre-departure clearances, and other advisory messages — to the cockpit as text via the ACARS network, rather than over voice radio.

Context Anchor

Seen in RNAV departure and cockpit information-system discussions, especially where an aircraft can receive updated flight information electronically before or during flight.