Strategic Pathways for Reconstructing Civil Aviation's Ecological Niche under High-Speed Rail Transformation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202606110

Author(s)

Luyuan Yang

Affiliation(s)

China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology, Beijing, China

Abstract

The high-speed railway transformation, which has been stimulated by the expansion of the high-speed railway network, has led to a strong substitution effect for civil aviation in the short-to-medium distance transportation sector. The substitution effect is reflected in passenger diversion, a reduction in market share, a rise in niche overlap, and a reduction in the competitive edge of civil aviation. Based on niche theory, this research investigates how high-speed railway transformation affects the competitive environment of civil aviation, looking at the role of high-speed railway transformation in reconstructing the niche of civil aviation. There are three strategic steps to reconstruct the niche of civil aviation, which include optimizing the transportation network, enhancing air-rail intermodal transport, and international development with hub improvement. The goal is to promote a shift in the overall transport system from substitution-based competition to a coexistence relationship, which increases efficiency growth and sustainable development.

Keywords

High-Speed Rail Transformation; Civil Aviation Niche; Substitution Effect; Route Network Optimization; Air-Rail Intermodal Transport

References

[1] Li, W., Liu, W., Wang, L., & Wen, J. (2018). Competitiveness evaluation of Shanghai ports based on niche theory. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, 34-39. [2] Chen, Z. (2017). Impacts of high-speed rail on domestic air transportation in China. Journal of Transport Geography, 62, 184-196. [3] Li, H., Strauss, J., & Lu, M. (2019). The impact of high-speed rail on civil aviation in China. Transport Policy, 82, 57-64. [4] Lawrence, M., Bullock, R., & Liu, Z. (2019). China's High-Speed Rail Development. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications. [5] Zhang, F., Graham, D. J., & Wong, M. S. C. (2018). Quantifying the substitutability and complementarity between high-speed rail and air transport. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 118, 191-215. [6] Zhang, F., Graham, D. J., & Wong, M. S. C. (2018). Quantifying the substitutability and complementarity between high-speed rail and air transport. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 118, 191-215. [7] Chen, Z. (2017). Impacts of high-speed rail on domestic air transportation in China. Journal of Transport Geography, 62, 184-196. [8] Li, H., Strauss, J., & Lu, M. (2019). The impact of high-speed rail on civil aviation in China. Transport Policy, 82, 57-64. [9] Yang, H., Burghouwt, G., Wang, J., Boonekamp, T., & Dijst, M. (2018). The implications of high-speed railways on air passenger flows in China. Applied Geography, 97, 1-9. [10] Wang, J., Huang, J., & Jing, Y. (2020). Competition between high-speed trains and air travel in China: From a spatial to spatiotemporal perspective. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 133, 62-78.