Airline Networks: A Comparison of Hub-and-Spoke and Point-to-Point Systems

Author(s)

Gerald N. Cook
Jeremy Goodwin

Volume

17

Issue

2

Abstract

The disparity between the relative success of low-cost and network carriers since 2001 has often been attributed to the difference in route system architecture. This paper compares the economic and operational characteristics of point-to-point and hub-and-spoke route systems. It also argues that the emphasis placed on route structure obscures other differences in business models. Although U.S. low-cost-carriers are frequently characterized as operating point-to-point systems, few actually do so. As network airlines simplify their domestic products and the low-cost-carriers diversify theirs, the distinction between the two is rapidly fading.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Cook, G. N., & Goodwin, J. (2008). Airline Networks: A Comparison of Hub-and-Spoke and Point-to-Point Systems. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 17(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15394/jaaer.2008.1443