Airport Role Orientation Based on Improved K-means Clustering Algorithm

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an insight into the roles of the different types of airports in China by improved K-means clustering algorithm. The first part of the work analyzed the characteristics of Chinese airline network and pointed out that the key to construct hub-and-spoke airline network is determining the function of each airport. The index system of airport function orientation was established from airport operation index, airport hinterland index and airport growth index. The airports in China were classified into four classes by the K-means clustering algorithm. In order to improve reliability of clustering algorithm, a formula was used to normalize the value of each index, and the airports were clustered by improved K-means clustering algorithm. The algorithm was simulated by the MATLAB and the clustered results show the airports have obvious hierarchy.