The European Joint Airworthiness Authorities awarded both the A340-200 and -300 their type certificates on December 22 last year, following an extensive flight test program which involved six development aircraft, 750 flights and 2400 flyinghours. Problems with a higher-than-expected fuel burn have all but been solved and the A340 is now within 1% of original predictions, while Singapore Airlines has reconfirmed its order for 20. By the time these words are read Lufthansa willhave become the first airline to take delivery of the A340, initially seNicing its North American routes. Lufthansa meanwhile has dramatically cut its fares for intra Europe flights and business and first class between Australia and Germany with savings of up to 45% available, marking the opening of the single European market