ETOPS Question
 

Ok, was having a discussion about ETOPS with a friend today. If say your airline was certified ETOPS 180 and a particular route could be achieved using ETOPS 138, would you dispatch at 138 or have more flexibility with ETPs' by dispatching at 180? I understand British Airways dispatch all of their ETOPS flights at 180 regardless.... what are the benefits of dispatching using a lesser time rule (if the route allows) apart from a potential saving on crit fuel?

some MEL considerations.

Any reason other than the obvious MEL restrictions..... (the initial post states any benefits..)

ETOPS Question
 

The main reason for using less ETOPS diversion time is to carry less fuel -Critical fuel. However, airlines find that this approach offers more comfort to pilots, adding to the MEL comment stated above.

Reducing the diversion time would mean using more alternates, then less chances to have additional fuel due critical scenario.
Furthermore, considering the pilots point of view, I've always preferred to give them more choices if available.
They are supposed to use one of those alternates because one engine is out and maybe a decompression as well.
2 or 3 etp's instead of one, whenever possible, are a benefit in my opinion.