Carnage Matey...for info these 777-300s are not replacing the 787s on order.
What they will be used for is to replace the older 747-400s that were due to be retired when 787 deliveries started. As delivery of the 787 has apparently slipped by some 18 months then BA faced a dilemma....Have the older 747-400s "D" checked,(which would also have to include a life extension programme,due age),or get a "stop-gap" replacement.
Have talked to a few people at work today and it seems that this new order for 777s will be announced at Farnborough....6 on firm order plus a further 6 on option!.
Have also heard today that BA is in talks with both Airbus and Fed Ex re the A380s they have on order!....Apparently Fed Ex want to delay delivery of thier cargo A380s and BA are after those airframes to speed up thier fleet aquisition! Further to this BA is also roumoured to be speaking to EasyJet re the ex BMED A321s,(hope i've got that right?),which do not fit thier fleet profile!....These would then be positioned at LGW to accelerate the disposal of some of the older 737s!.
From what i was told today,events regarding fleet renewal and further aircraft aquisitions are going to happen quite rapidly!!.....it's all down to the cost of fuel and a/c operating costs!!