We introduce mesh networks as an alternative topology to hub-and-spoke networks for low-cost carriers (LCCs) to sell online connections, i.e., indirect connections requiring a transfer between direct connections within a carrier's own operated network. While a common global practice, none of the large independent intra-European LCCs has fully deployed such a network strategy. We define a point-to-point with online connections (PPWOC) representation to establish potential mesh networks for the three largest independent LCCs in Europe. After providing airline and airport metrics to describe structural properties, we also discuss managerial implications of the mesh networks and conclude that investing into hub-and-spoke systems may no longer be necessary if LCCs can gain and maintain a competitive advantage with the mesh network strategy.

我们介绍了网状网络，作为低成本航空公司（LCC）出售网络连接的中心辐射型网络的替代拓扑，即，间接连接需要在运营商自身运营的网络内直接连接之间进行转换。尽管这是一种普遍的全球惯例，但是大型的独立欧洲内部LCC都没有完全部署这种网络策略。我们定义了具有在线连接（PPWOC）表示的点对点，以为欧洲三个最大的独立LCC建立潜在的网状网络。在提供了用于描述结构特性的航空公司和机场指标之后，我们还讨论了网状网络的管理意义，并得出结论，如果LCC能够通过网状网络策略获得并保持竞争优势，则不再需要对中心辐射系统进行投资。