As I understand it these aircraft that were ordered today that consist of 4 orders and 4 options are 'bridging' aircraft to enable some limited network expansion whilst the main bulk order is sorted. Management said to us a few months ago when this aircraft competition was announced that the main fleet replacement would eventually be an order totalling 40ish aircraft made up of either a mix of 777/787/747-800 or A330/A350/A380. As part of this process it was also announced that an initial small order of up to 10 aircraft would be completed to enable immediate expansion on the move to T5. As part of the announcment this morning it was also announced that the main order would be announced later in the year. Signs are good for BA, this means an expansion of the longhaul timetable and with 14 airbus confirmed orders for A320's yet to be filled it will require a number of new pilots over the next 18 months. Soin summary this order today is minor in the grand scheme of things but clearly shows the initial timetable to be on track and a much bigger order should be expected in around 6 months.