Econometric analysis of airline strategic network design

Discussions surrounding the airline industry have often been accompanied by analyses of air carriers' networks, given their effects on competitiveness, cost structures, service quality, customer bases, and profitability. Market dynamics have enabled innovative airline business models to give rise to new spatial patterns of air traffic distribution and, ultimately, economic development, improving accessibility and enhancing the role of many places in the global arena. Still, low profit margins and fierce competition have made the industry prone to a constant reshaping of its structures and, hence, to varying impacts on cities' welfare. The literature has considered structural changes as related to a myriad of factors, including, among others, earth-shaking external shocks, waves of bankruptcies and mergers and acquisitions (M&As), evolving airline business models, aircraft technology, and congestion traffic spills. As such, this thesis aims to contribute to the airline network design literature by investigating the nature and implications of airline behaviours. Given data availability considerations, we propose methodological frameworks and policy implications considering econometric models based on secondary data from Brazil and the United States. [...]
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Eng & Built Env
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
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