Peter47
To reply to Carnage Matey, my understanding is that 773s are about 25% more fuel efficient than 744s and have a similar payload capacity (slightly fewer seats and more cargo). Once BA's fuel hedges run out fuel will account for 40% of costs so you can work out the saving. Yes there will still be lease costs on the 744s, but if parked as a D check comes due my betting is that lower fuel & maintenance costs will more than offset that. (That could of course be bad news for engineering!)
If anyone out there knows the exact fuel saving on a typical sector such as LHR - JFK could you post it please!
Right now there is only only solution to airline economics. More fuel efficient aircraft.