Concorde Service To Fly Higher

<B> Concorde Service To Fly Higher</B>

Above and beyond first class, at least from convenience and cost standpoints, flies the Concorde. Despite reports to the contrary, both Air France and British Airways will continue, and in fact, refurbish their supersonic products.

Air France and its new partner Delta are exploring either a bulk buy or codeshare arrangement for the Concorde, as well as early morning connections at New York JFK to boost the number of connecting passengers. In the meantime, the French national flag carrier is reviewing plans to redesign the passenger cabin and replace the seats. It also recently expanded inflight meal options. Airline officials said the current fleet of supersonic jets could fly for at least another 20 years, and the carrier is not looking to create a newer variation.

British Airways also is looking to redesign elements of its Concorde product. This past winter it opened a new departure lounge twice as large as its predecessor at New York JFK for Concorde passengers. Meanwhile, BA in the next decade will explore options for a new supersonic transport. Preliminary concepts include a 200 to 300 passenger jet with bigger seats, improved inflight service and amenities, and capability for transpacific flights.