Spatiotemporal evolution of air cargo networks and its impact on economic development - An analysis of China's domestic market before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

China's domestic air cargo network plays a crucial role in economic development by enabling the efficient and reliable transportation of goods, ensuring regional competitiveness, and supporting sustained economic growth. This study aimed to examine and analyse the spatiotemporal evolution of China's domestic air cargo network and structural configuration and its relationship with local economic development before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby enhancing a better understanding of the mechanisms linking air cargo networks/operations and economic development. By applying the complex network theory and the seemingly unrelated regression framework, this study revealed a significant expansion of China's domestic air cargo network, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed the substantial growth of smaller airports in the western region that were involved in air cargo operations and the enhanced connectivity of major hub airports in coastal cities in the east. Moreover, this study established a causal relationship between the development of the air cargo network and economic growth. These findings have significant implications for various stakeholders, including policymakers at both the central and local levels, as well as airports and airlines, strengthening the development of air cargo networks.