Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Fuel saving activities by ME Airlines - what are you aware of?

Ironic as it sounds, Gulf-state airlines seem to need to reduce their fuel costs, like any other airline. Especially given they pay for it locally where supplied.

It's not like they have an 'owned' refinery and storage at each airport they serve. :)

here's one for starters:

Etihad claims it has saved $12m, on track for $20m savings in fuel in 2008 (http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093219079). [MenaFN]

From what I understand, jet fuel costs the same for every single airline at every single airport. The idea that Gulf airlines get it cheap is apparently a common misconception.

Agreed!
Aside from extremely dubious, unsafe schemes which may have been in place at certain airlines with a risk-insensitive approach to flying, what are these activities?

Saving weight a la SQ by eliminating magazines; newer aircraft, smaller aircraft where possible, not using reverse thrust on landing (I noticed faster approaches and more brake usage on QR this weekend)... what else aside from the basics of less weight, more direct routes and trying to schedule to reduce circling airports? Slightly less safety fuel loads? What else?