Analysing route networks in air transportation: methodological and conceptual foundations

Simon Herkenhoener and Andreas Wald

International Journal of Aviation Management, 2012, vol. 1, issue 4, 271-292

Abstract: Although route network planning and route network design is a crucial task for airline managers, only few applications of network analytical techniques to air transport exist. This paper develops the methodological and conceptual foundations for the analysis of airline route networks. We demonstrate the empirical application of network analysis to air transport comparing the route network of Star Alliance to the route network of One World. We show that both networks exhibit a low density, a short average distance, and a high clustering coefficient. However, the network of One World is more dependent on single hubs. This structure corresponds to a higher vulnerability to the failure of these important hubs. On this basis, we portray further research questions where network-analytical investigations may reveal valuable insights for air transport.

Keywords: airline route networks; network analysis; airport connectivity; airline alliances; air transport; aviation management; route planning; network design; airport hubs; hub failure. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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