A systematic review of the literature on air transport networks (1973-2021)

Abstract

This research provides a systematic literature review on air transportation. Three periods are analysed: 1973–1999 (120 papers), 2000–2019 (742 papers), and 2020–2021 (177 papers), with the period 2000–2019 being the focus. A computer-assisted thematic analysis was conducted using Reinert's method to quantify thematic classes and their prevalence statistically. The evolution of class predominance over time was also analysed. The results highlighted six major thematic classes in 2000–2019, with three reflecting methodologies (i.e., parameter estimation, time-based problems, and optimisation) and the remaining three characterising underlying applications (i.e., co-opetition, business models, and external stakeholder/social view). Classes found for 1973–1999 also discuss optimisation and co-opetition, with the remaining classes focusing on aviation developments in Europe and transportation systems in general. Classes found for 2020–2021 agreed largely to the period 2000–2019, albeit with more well-delineated classes on the COVID-19 pandemic and the connectivity and accessibility of air networks. A correlation of methodologies and applications (2000–2019) identified the ubiquitous use of regression analysis throughout applications and the underrepresentation of complex network analysis and economic modelling in applications associated with the business models and external stakeholder/social view classes. Temporal trends suggest a steady increase in discussions of the parameter estimation class and subclasses related to low-cost carriers in Europe, regional airports, and high-speed rail co-opetition, and a decrease in investigations of airline alliances, deregulation, and privatisation.