An Efficient Accessibility Model: Applications for Airline Network Analysis

Abstract

This article describes an efficient, systematic procedure for ranking the accessibility and centrality of stations, using graph theoretic methods to identify pivotal and marginal points. Alitalia Airlines' Far East route structure and South African Airlines' domestic network are used to illustrate the model and its implications on the strategic location of headquarters, technical support services, conference sites and tourist attractions. The impact on aircraft deployment is also examined. The article addresses the logistical implications of the addition or deletion of new sectors or stations by way of sensitivity analysis and anticipates the growth of hub and spoke airline networks to increase total network connectivity and accessibility.