The statement stands by itself - since the merger it's been a net increase.

Post merger combined AA pilot count, two years post merger, is up. DL manning, seven years post merger, is flat.

Yes, it's troubling to see others increasing their fleet sizes while AA's fleet total shrinks. Long term that's a troubling trend. But post BK AA block hours increase (4.2%) has exceeded UA's(-3.5%) and DL's(3.7%)(2015 data will probably change the DL ranking).

And block hours post merger are also up.

UA's latest fleet count increase might not be enough to recoup the block hours deficit it's run. A fleet increase of 2.7% might not be enough to recoup the hours lost(-3.5%).

AA 2015 block hours increase might be in the 1% range. 2016 appears to be flat (2% ASM growth offset by 2% gauge increase). So DL should pass AA's block hour increase using 2015 data(?) and continue to outperform in 2016.

UA's 2015 fleet increase should support a block hour increase. Obviously better utilization of the existing fleet could have a bigger impact on block hour changes. Even with these improvements UA will probably lag AA's recent performance.