What is the purpose of the "Standard Terminal Arrival Route" (STAR)?

The purpose of a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) is to provide a structured route for arriving aircraft. STARs are specifically designed to guide planes from the en route phase of flight to the vicinity of an airport in an orderly manner. This structured approach helps to ensure safety by managing the spacing between aircraft, reducing delays, and streamlining traffic flow into busy airports. By using STARs, air traffic controllers can efficiently sequence arrivals and provide clear and consistent instructions to pilots, facilitating a smoother transition to the approach phase of landing. This is crucial in busy airspace where multiple aircraft may be approaching an airport at the same time.