Spatial pattern of China Southern Airlines' network and its market coverage

Abstract

Air transportation, with its high time efficiency and economic efficiency, has become an important transport organization mode in regional social economic activities and spatial interaction relations, which exerts great influence on regional development. Aviation network is of significance in air transport. With the implementation of deregulation on civil aviation,airlines are becoming the main factors affecting the aviation network. The network spatial pattern analysis and airlines' marketing research are helpful to cognize companies' organizational behavior.Based on flights time lists data and quantitative analysis, this paper compares China Southern Airlines with national aviation network on air routes, aviation cities, flights frequency and passenger flow, divides the market into six hierarchies and analyzes its spatial patterns. The research considers absolute markets(market scale) and relative markets(market competitiveness) of China Southern Airlines. The results are as follows:(1) uneven spatial distribution exists in aviation network of China Southern Airlines. The company's absolute monopoly markets concentrate on feeder airports and routes connected with Guangzhou, while flights focus on hub airports and main routes.(2) The factors that influence the markets are demand for aviation, economic development and the base of China Southern Airlines. The tertiary industry, especially tourism makes contribution to aviation. Meanwhile, the bases offer convenient conditions for the airlines, which promote agglomeration of market commitment.This paper complements aviation network research from perspectives on aviation companies,with guidance to their decisions on aviation market development.