Unfortunately, this is true....
I've heard it first hand from the GMA myself. I'm surprised that this is the only reference to it at present, as it certainly has been kept very quite.
The great man himself stated that our FTL's in Vol 1 are simply an interpretation of the original HKCAD document. Cathay is obviously bound by the limitations layed down by this CAD document.
So how does Cathay get around this troubling issue of only 18 hours FDP for ULH and the restriction imposed by limited 3 man ULH. They simply 'advise' HKCAD that they need to re-write the official CAD rules (read this as CX is re-writing the official HKCAD document and then presenting it to CAD for approval). CX then have the governing rules changed, they say, great we can now change FTL's in Vol 1 legally to reflect these changes and presto... We are doing 21 hour FDP's and 3 man ULH. All completely legal I might add!!!
As I said, this is happening as we type. It's not rumour.
In addition to increasing the maximum FDP to help introduce further afield destinations and making 3 man ULH more 'Company Friendly' due to Cx's crewing short falls, all of the 'loop holes' in the current FTL's will be closed. For example, ask any ISM what their understanding of FTL's is when an aircraft stops in Taipei from North America to get more fuel. The Cockpit Crew go to the hotel, but the Company thinks the Cabin Crew can operate TPE-HKG. This area will be 'addressed' in the new and improved FTL's.
Stay tuned....