Might one ask what impact prolonging the sector would have on the allowances received by the flight crew?
The job of the airline captain is to operate his aircraft in a safe, efficient and punctual manner - . .safe because he wants to get home;. .efficient because he wants his passengers to be able to afford to fly next time;. .punctual because he wants his passengers to want to fly next time.
I can't see how such inefficient practices can benefit a company. I suspect personal agendas are more likely to be at stake - which is why the company couldn't come up with an answer.