What if the landing isn't assured?? There is no such thing as a guaranteed landing at Heathrow. . .What about factors beyond the pilots control?? If he'd come all the way down the approach and for whatever reason one of us had sent him around, then what?? Scraping bits of SIA B744 of NW London is the answer!!
I find it extremely disturbing that airlines even contemplate chancing their arm at this sort of thing. Yes, it costs them more in the long run. But which is better? The bad press from a crash due fuel shortage, or the extra cost of fuel?
Answers on a postcard!