That's the point - all the inspections and checks for the AOC have been passed, first time round (rare, I'm told), so as soon as the AC is delivered and checked, the AOC will be issued.
As a rank and file pilot in NOW I'm not in on the big plans, but am amazed at the un-educated speculation and, in some instances, unwarranted trashing going on in this forum. Though superficially of concern, the decision to delay sales, route announcements and so on until the AC have arrived and the AOC recieved is a cautious and mature one. More damage to confidence would be done if mass refunds had to be made on seats sold too early, or if we started flying empty AC around because we started the schedule without enough sales lead-time. The NOW managers have resisted the great temptation to press ahead too fast, and this shows how the company is not being built on sand like some of our ill-wishing bretheren.
The point is that all those who were promised jobs have them, and have been given the choice of leave or immediate start, and whether to be paid in salary or shares. No-one has been delayed against their will without renumeration and ongoing commitment from the company.
Now, JMC-man, before you post another anti-NOW retort, make sure it's accurate.