Air Cargo Network Resilience: Concepts, Influencing Factors, and Enhancement Paths

Air cargo networks play a crucial role in global economic growth, but are often hit by unpredictable events such as wars and natural disasters. The aim of this study is to explore the factors affecting the resilience of air cargo networks and to propose paths to enhance their resilience. In this paper, the impact of key factors such as network connectivity, redundancy, market demand, information sharing and collaboration, emergency response capability, and natural disasters on the resilience of the air cargo networks is thoroughly investigated, mainly from the three parts of concept definition, analysis of influencing factors, and exploration of enhancement paths. It is found that a single factor cannot adequately explain air cargo network resilience, while the combination of redundancy, information sharing and collaboration, and emergency response capability can significantly enhance network resilience. In addition, it was found that improving network connectivity and the ability to adapt to natural disasters also have a significant impact on network resilience. This study utilizes the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology and a questionnaire survey of air cargo networks stakeholders to construct a comprehensive framework that influences air cargo network resilience, and provide strategic recommendations for the government, air cargo industry, and enterprises to enhance network resilience. This study’s results have significant theoretical research value. They also offer important practical insights for optimizing air cargo network design and management, which can boost economic growth and stability.