Multi-Hub Network Configurations - A Temporary or Permanent Outcome of Airline Consolidation?

Abstract

Ongoing consolidation in the European airline industry poses a threat to second-tier hub cities in terms of losing hub status and long haul routes. As airlines merged in the USA, it was often more efficient to close a duplicating hub and concentrate resources on the stronger one. This paper relies on a formal model to explore discrete scenarios for non-hub intercontinental connections. The results of the analysis show that a hub and spoke airline in a competitive environment can rationally preserve or initiate non-hub long haul routes, even going to the length of maintaining or building up an ancillary hub.