Bibliometric Analysis on Air Cargo Transportation for Two Decades

Abstract

This study examines the scientific studies on Air Cargo via bibliometric analysis for two decades. The aim of study is determining the intellectual structure of the air cargo focused studies, reveal its evolutionary development in the area and identify the research gaps or topics for further studies may be needed. Dimensions database was used to obtain bibliometric data. “Air Cargo” OR “Air Freight” AND “Supply Chain Management” keyword combination was selected to define the primary focused area. “Commerce, Management and Tourism” or “Transportation and Freight Services” or “Business and Management” sub-categories defined as research content. 492 journal articles were analysed with bibliometric techniques and WosViewer software used for visualization. Analysis indicates that most of citied and majority of published articles had found place on interdisciplinary researches. Studies which are linked to production, management and international supply chain operations got more attention compared to focused solely on air cargo ones. Besides, USA, UK and China were determined as most productive countries and Cranfield University was ranked first among institutions. According to another result, two main clusters were also observed in collaborations between universities/institutions as Eastern and Western settled. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management was determined the leader of journals. Only journal which focused solely aviation research is Journal of Air Transport Management. With rising trend and new developments in both aviation and supply chain management are foreseen that researches in the area will sustain its rising trend in the future. Especially environmental, e-trade, labour and other interdisciplinary issues will need to be examined deeply.