Airline route networks: A complex network approach

Author

Oriol Lordan

Supervisors

Jose M Sallan, Pep Simo

Defense date

14th April, 2014

Abstract

Communication via air routes is an important issue in a world organized around a web-like city network. In this context, the robustness of network infrastructures, e.g. air transport networks, is a central issue in transport geography. Disruption of communication links by intentional causes (e.g., terrorist attack on an airport) or unintentional (e.g., weather inclemency) could be a serious drawback for countries, regions or airlines. Policymakers and the management of airlines and alliances should be able to reduce the effects of such interruptions in order to ensure good communication through air transport, that is, to maximize the robustness of their network at a reasonable cost. The literature review of the study of air transport route networks through complex networks has highlighted a lack of contributions to the study of the topology and the robustness of such networks, which contrasts with advances undertaken for other transport networks or communication systems. The literature survey suggests areas in which research should be undertaken, based on the existing literature in other areas and from three different perspectives: global route networks, airline alliances and airlines. The aim of this research is to develop a better understanding of air traffic and, in particular, to be able to assess the potential damage of any airport being inoperative for a continent, country or airline. This thesis analyzes the topology and robustness of three proposed levels of study characterized by different units of analysis: global route network, airline alliances route network and airlines route network. The different levels do not only represent networks of different magnitudes in number of nodes (airports) and links (routes), but also represent different approaches. In Chapter 2 robustness of the global air transport network (L1) has been analyzed and criteria based on Bonacich power centrality has been presented in order to assess attack vulnerability of complex networks. One of the outcomes of this study will be a list of the most critical airports for the vulnerability of the entire air transport network. In Chapter 3 robustness of alliances route network (L2) will be assessed comparing the robustness of the three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam). To perform this analysis, one new node selection criterion based on the efficiency of networks and one new method of assessing vulnerability will be presented. This analysis will lead also to a comparison of the robustness of the three alliances. Finally, in Chapter 4 robustness of 10 FSCs and 3 LCCs route network (L2) will be analyzed. The studied FSCs belong to the different airline alliances showed in Chapter 3 thus allowing the comparison among levels. This chapter outlines a comparison of the differences in robustness between FSCs and LCCs. In Chapter 5 a summary and discussion of conclusions obtained for each level will be carried out.

Thesis contents

The complete text of this thesis can be dowloaded at the TDR repository in the following link: http://www.tdx.cat/handle/10803/144526