Just a couple of thoughts on the carriage of fuel.
It ain't what you depart with that counts, it's what you arrive with. No point in putting yourself in an awkward situation by arriving with too little fuel to allow for unforeseen problems or delays etc.
Besides when you get to the Lambourne hold and don't have enough fuel to hang around for 30 mins you will end up taking your pax, who have paid to go to LHR, to STN or LGW or, God forbid, LTN. Neither they, nor the company will be too pleased.
An average pax, during his/her travelling lifetime is probably worth around £300K to your airline - if they come back. One diversion can be enough to change their brand loyalty. Suddenly 3% or £10 to carry an extra tonne seems cheap !
[This message has been edited by PaulDeGearup (edited 17 May 2001).]