A cluster-based approach for the assessment of air transportation networks in selected global regions

The continuing robust growth in air passenger traffic figures pose a significant challenge on air transportation systems worldwide with significant repercussions on existing infrastructure to cope with this demand in the coming years. The aim of a cluster-based approach using modern network theory in this work is to serve as a foundation to characterize and analyse the connectivity of air transportation networks in various global regions based on operational characteristics of the global aircraft fleet. Results reveal the proliferation of specific aircraft clusters driving operations in different parts of the air transportation network. The impact of rapid growth and infrastructure constraints on the deployed aircraft clusters and network operations can be observed comparing the developments of China and Europe between 2007/08 and 2014. Evaluating the deployment of aircraft clusters and key network characteristics across the various selected global regions identified network structures unique to the various regions. Inherent network risks regarding perturbation and impact severity in such a situation were also observed. A risk assessment matrix combining perturbation probability and network impact severity is thus proposed. Useful implications and measures for aviation stakeholders including policy makers can be derived from this approach.