The “M” word – merger – has been trumpeted in US airline circles since December, particularly once the analyst community began to see there might be a light at the end of the recessionary tunnel. A mere three months later, merger is on the tip of the tongue both in the executive suite, as well as on Wall Street. That is why mergers will probably be topic number one at next week’s JP Morgan’s Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference where at least eight airlines will hold court trying to convince the 700 attendees they are investment worthy.