Constructions of air transportation super network and characteristics analysis

Traditional single-layer complex networks models show unsatisfactory practicality in modeling multi-functional, collaboratively operating aviation systems. This paper proposes a method for constructing a directed weighted super network model for aviation transport systems. Firstly, four functional sub-networks are constructed, including airline company sub-network, air route sub-network, airports-airline sub-network and the sector sub-network. On basis of the sub-networks, a super network model for aviation transport is introduced. Characteristics of the super network are then analyzed by using metrics such as functional-structural correlation coefficient, and node hyperdegree ratio. Results show that the super network structure is unstable, with low levels of association between most sub-networks, but stronger associations between air route-the Sector and air company networks-airports-airline. This work sets good bases for further vulnerability analysis of complex network.