Abstract Multihub airline networks are an important phenomenon in today's air transport market. An important question is to what extent different factors play a role in the specialization between hubs that are part of the same multihub network. This paper shows that total European market size to a certain long-haul destination and the ratio between the origin-destination market at the primary and the secondary hub are important variables for the role hubs play in the long-haul network of European multihub systems. Large long-haul markets are generally served from both the primary and secondary hub. Multihub carriers serve smaller long-haul markets uniquely from a single hub, depending on the relative advantage in the local origin-destination market. Looking at actual specialization patterns within European multihub networks, we distinguish between complementary multihub systems (such as Amsterdam–Paris CDG), overflow systems (such as Frankfurt–Munich) and regional systems (such as Paris CDG–Lyon).
Highlights We investigate which factors influence long-haul specialization between European hubs in the same airline multihub network. We find that multihub airlines tend to serve large markets from both the primary and secondary hub. Smaller markets are uniquely served from only one hub. The hub choice for unique hub service in smaller markets depends on the advantage in the local origin-destination market.
Long-haul specialization patterns in European multihub airline networks – An exploratory analysis
Journal of Air Transport Management ; 34 ; 30-41
2013-01-01
12 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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