Research On Optimization Of Cross-border Air Cargo Network

With the evolution of the global multilateral trading system and the development of cross-border e-commerce,the aviation cargo industry,which is characterized by high speed,high costs and a relatively short history of development,is encountering significant challenges.Additionally,cross-border scenarios present disparities in government regulations,transportation supply modes,substitutability of hubs,customs clearance convenience,and cultural customs across various countries or regions.Mostexisting research and models primarily concentrate on domestic contexts,making this research distinct from traditional air cargo networks.In view of this,this dissertation conducts in-depth research on the complex optimization problem of cross-border air cargo transportation,based on the analysis of the process and value chain,network model,and four characteristics of cross-border air cargo.The research is divided into three main areas: domestic and international hub location selection,and cross-border freight airlines optimization.Furthermore,the contents have been enriched with considerations for customs policies and restrictions,multiple types of transport aircraft,network cost structure,and the dynamics of reverse flow economy.(1)The influencing factors of domestic hub location selection are analyzed,including customs clearance convenience,air distance to foreign destinations,etc.A prioritization model and a total cost minimization model for domestic hub location selection are established,demonstrating the existence of optimal solutions.To solve these models,a hybrid heuristic algorithm is employed,and sensitivity analysis is conducted to verify the robustness of the solutions.The findings indicate that Beijing,Guangzhou,Chengdu,and Wuhan are recommended as prioritized domestic air cargo hub airports.(2)Considering multiple factors such as economic,social,political,and diplomatic relations with China.An evaluation model for overseas hub airports is constructed and an improved TOPSIS evaluation method is used to evaluate candidate airports.Furthermore,a model for overseas hub location selection with airport capacity and airspace flow constraints,aiming to minimize the total cost,is established.A hybrid heuristic algorithm is utilized to solve the model and sensitivity analysis is conducted on multiple variables.The results suggest that Hong Kong and Dubai can be prioritized as overseas hub airports,while Addis Ababa Airport can be considered as an alternative and supplementary option.(3)Building upon the findings of the previous research,an optimization model for cross-border airline with time windows and multiple aircraft types is established,taking into consideration the determined number and location of domestic and overseas hubs.A hybrid heuristic algorithm is used to solve the model,and optimal airline solutions for different aircraft types are obtained.The optimization plans indicate that rational arrangement of aircraft types and cross-border airlines based on cargo timeliness can effectively improve payload capacity of flight segments and reduce transportation time and costs.The feasibility and effectiveness of the aforementioned models and algorithms have been rigorously verified through actual cross-border operations between China and Africa.The research findings of this dissertationhave important practical application value for optimizing crossborder air cargo transportation networks.They can serve as a scientific basis for government and industry decision-makers in making informed choices regarding domestic and overseas hubs,as well as cross-border airlines,with the aim of enhancing transportation network efficiency and service competitiveness.Furthermore,the research methods and models presented in this study can also serve as a valuable reference for addressing similar cargo transportation network optimization problems in other contexts.