A Framework for evaluating the potential for using air-maritime integration in modern supply chains

In today’s economic context most supply chains are global and complex. Therefore integrating different transportation modes have become crucial for achieving cost and time savings in most supply chain systems. This paper presents a framework for evaluating the potential for implementing air-maritime integration. First we identified ten most influencing factors to establish a air-maritime integrated logistics hub using expert opinion and literature. Meanwhile two methods of integration, substitution and complementary were identified. AHP analysis was used to derive important weights to influencing factors and to determine the best method of integration. Finally IPA analysis was used to identify relative importance and current performance of individual factors and to classify them to four quadrants. Future actions required for implementing air-maritime integrated logistics were discussed based on the IPA classification. The framework was applied to assess the air-maritime integration potential of Sri Lanka. As per the results of the analysis, the best suited method for Sri Lanka was found to be the complementary method. Results also suggested that worldwide connectivity and centralized location are the most important criteria for implementing integrated logistics. By further improving the analysis procedure, this can be used for any other scenario in the world for evaluating the potential for air-sea integration.