"However, it should be also understood by all that Section 32 of the new Act allows companies, including airlines, to use a combination of length of service and performance when selecting individuals for promotion."
It has ever been thus, the basic requirements for consideration for command are: licence, relevant experience, suitability and length of service. If an individual is up to the required standard he will pass, of not he will fail and someone more junior will take his or her command slot. The perfect example of length of service and performance combined to determine who gets promoted.