Given that lives were not in fact at significant risk, it's conceivable to me that they considered the amount of free publicity this would likely get. Given th

Given that lives were not in fact at significant risk, it's conceivable to me that they considered the amount of free publicity this would likely get. Given that, and the relatively small chance of serious damage or loss of the plane, and it could be a decision with positive financial expected value. Plus, of course, there is the humanitarian benefit.