The September issue of CX World cited that all 15 A340-300s would have the First Class cabin removed, changing into a 2-class configuration. The refit will start in April 2004 and is expected to be completed by August 2004.

The article specifically mentioned Rome, Amsterdam and Toronto as 'thin' routes where front-end demand is low and back-end demand high, suggesting that these routes will definitely get the F chop if any sort of 343-reconfiguration plan is in fact implemented.

Assuming that the original plan is stuck to, and as much as I'd like that not to happen, a 343 July F service seems unlikely, and a September one even more so.

[This message has been edited by B-HXB (edited Nov 23, 2003).]