Repost with a bit more info.
Ladies and Gents,
There is an article in Decembers Fleet Facts 2014 on how these (MLE/MAA/TRV) flights are to be operated. It's written by the Manager Regulatory Affairs.
1. It is not a variation
2. Operating crew must get three hours.
There is also an article in Septembers Fleet Facts 2014 on how to operate the three crew to Asia when the third guy is not needed for FTL.
Unfortunately the first article is bound to cause more questions than answers.
Eg. Are they planning you into discretion if due to, on the day flight times operating crew can't get three hours each?
M