Weighted and Unweighted Air Transportation Component Structure: Consistency and Differences

The topological structure of the world air transportation network is the subject of much research. This paper reports a comparative analysis of the weighted and unweighted air transportation network at the mesoscopic level. We use the component structure to isolate regional from interregional traffic and infrastructure. Recently introduced in the network literature, the component structure splits the network into local and global components. The local components are the dense parts of the network. They capture the regional flights. The global components linking the dense parts capture the inter-regional flights. Results display fewer local components well delimited and more global components covering the world than the unweighted world air transportation network. Beyond their structural implications, these components offer practical advantages. They can be a foundation for optimizing transportation routes and schedules, leading to cost savings and reduced travel times. Stakeholders in transportation, including airlines, shipping companies, urban planners, and policymakers, can leverage this knowledge to make informed decisions and strategic plans that promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.