Zeroto4,
The delay for either group can't be proven because no one knows for sure what will happen at either company tomorrow or any time in the future. Both companies can embrace a growth mode at any time, and both can stop growth at any time. Both companies have aircraft orders on the books, but to say that either company wouldn't or couldn't stop or start growth based on any number of variables unrelated to aircraft orders is impossible. Aircraft orders can be deferred or sold instantly based on the "whims" of company leadership. Both groups can only argue what was happening at the time of the merger, but it is absolutely no indication of what will happen at any future instant. Airtran or Southwest could announce huge growth tomorrow just as easily as they could announce no growth. In my opinion, the only thing that is known for sure, based on the size of the combined pilot group is that it will take longer for both groups of FO's to upgrade, whether the company grows or not. That part is just simple math. Let's hope for the sake of both groups that the future holds positive signs for growth. I think it may be true given the synergy of the combined route structure and the fact that the Wright amendment is going away in the not to distant future. I don't kid myself though, it only takes a hiccup in the economy, a spike in gas prices, etc etc to bring it all to a screeching halt. Your assumption is that all SWA aircraft orders are "replacement" aircraft, but Gary Kelly could change that tomorrow by not retiring -300 aircraft (which he has hinted at more than a few times), or going out and leasing more airplanes, which he has done many times in the past. Only time will tell for the combined group.

Moose