Originally Posted by clarence5ybr
I remember some years back it came out in the MSP press that NW had a policy that planes would be pushed back from the gate on time, even if ATC had their takeoff delayed and they knew they'd have to sit on the runway. This let them claim an 'on-time departure', even if the plane took off much later than scheduled.
AFAIK that's still the procedure followed by all domestic airlines. And at least on AA, FAs aren't being paid until the doors close. This means quite a lot of incentive from all involved to push back ontime, even if a delay on the tarmac is unavoidable.