https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/s10051-026-01141-2
Research - Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
The life cycle of an airline company through the lens of network theory
Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, 57072-900, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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Received:
25
April
2025
Accepted:
2
February
2026
Published online:
3
March
2026
Abstract
The life cycle of Avianca Brasil Airlines is investigated by employing complex network analysis. Various network parameters are discussed including average path length, clustering coefficient, connectance, and network similarity. These factors are compared with financial data to characterize the company’s network evolution over the years. Our results show that the airline network evolved toward a small-world configuration, maintaining short path lengths and increasing clustering, while two major hub relocations marked the most pronounced structural transitions. We further note that a later period of rising operational costs coincided with network expansion to more cities and a decrease in connectance, reflecting a sparser configuration. The present study highlights the importance of network-oriented strategies in the highly competitive airline industry.
© The Author(s) 2026
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