Evolution of Air Transport Networks under Different Airline Business Models: The Case of Three Chinese Airlines

This study was conducted to compare the evolution process of air transport networks (ATNs) under different airline business models, and empirically analyzed causes differences combining with market behaviors. Three representative Chinese airlines (China Southern Airlines, Spring Lucky Air) that belong three models (full-service, low-cost, regional) were examined. Based on mathematical statistics complex network theory, from spatial pattern, topological feature central city, result showed have their own unique characteristics ATNs driven by models. China southern as state-owned full-service carrier, its ATN is easily affected national policy. Airlines has more flexible diverse choice in choosing target markets had a transformation mono-centric divergence two-centric regional one. Air feeder whether navigable airports or routes increasingly concentrated within southwest China. information important for government improve developing targeted airlines.