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An Analysis of Amazon Air's Network in the United States

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  • John T. Bowen

Abstract

Using data on 12 months of operations, Amazon Air's network is contrasted to the domestic networks of FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. Amazon Air has a lower network density than the other two airlines, and its geography is more strongly related to Amazon's distribution centers. Like UPS and FedEx, Amazon has placed its main hub at a location in the central United States: first Wilmington, Ohio and more recently Cincinnati. The acceleration of online retail trade since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic may encourage other digitally native or incumbent retail firms to develop their own air distribution networks. The criteria that distinguish Amazon Air's gateway airports are identified and then those criteria are applied to all public US airports to detect others that might be suitable for incorporation into a retail distribution air network.

Suggested Citation

  • John T. Bowen, 2022. "An Analysis of Amazon Air's Network in the United States," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 61(1), pages 103-117, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:transj:v:61:y:2022:i:1:p:103-117
    DOI: 10.5325/transportationj.61.1.0103
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bowen, John T., 2012. "A spatial analysis of FedEx and UPS: hubs, spokes, and network structure," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 419-431.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaofu Fan & Fecri Karanki & Chien‐Tsung Lu, 2026. "Reframing Airport Choice in Platform Logistics: The Case of Amazon Air," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 65(1), December.

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