Adapting Connectivity Measure for Business Aviation – COVID-19 Case Study

This article introduces an adaptation of Flow centrality connectivity measure to business aviation. It demonstrates its potential in the COVID-19 case study, where a significant drop in traffic was observed. Its Connectivity Indicator shows a connectivity paradox during 2020, when connectivity values slightly decreased at first and subsequently exceeded their 2019 values during summer, indicating that airports were connected more effectively compared to the previous year. It is demonstrated in more detail by the examples of airports with the best and worst connectivity during April 2020 and explains the difference in their connectivity value and the number of flights in the context of the pandemic. The results show the potential of this two-dimensional measure in the sector and provide a foundation for further research on business aviation connectivity as a valuable tool for business aviation charter companies to optimize their operations. The study also outlines the economic value of business aviation for Europe and presents different flight missions carried out in this sector, including its key role of conducting medical and repatriation flights during the pandemic.