Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study empirically analyzes the determinants of air cargo exports and imports between Korea and the top 10 air-exporting countries over the past 30 years. The dependent variables are classified into four categories by export and import, considering both value and volume, and the analysis incorporates economic, geographical, and institutional factors, including GDP, per capita GDP, distance between capitals, country area, OECD membership, number of international airports, international oil prices, and the impact of COVID-19. The results indicate that Korea's GDP and the partner countries’ per capita GDP are the primary drivers of air cargo flows across all four dimensions, while geographical factors and short-term external shocks have limited influence. In particular, exports tend to increase with higher partner per capita GDP and Korea’s GDP, whereas imports are affected differently depending on income structure and consumption patterns. The findings suggest that air transport trade is highly responsive to economic structure, highlighting the need for future research incorporating detailed sector- and product-level analyses to better understand the complex determinants of air cargo flows.
Authors: Jae-Hwan Lim, Young-Rok Kim
Institution: Silla University
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125978323