Originally Posted by tdracer
BA shows four 747-400s parked in the desert - I don't know how much it would take to put one of those back into service, but probably a lot less than it would to fix this one
I think it takes about 3 months to bring a plane back on line from the desert. At least, that's roughly how long it's taken BA to reactive several stored 744s in the last year. But, as far as I am aware, that time also included an installation of a refurbished interior.
I'd imagine it can be shortened to a top up of fluids, check flight and a quick clean in a pinch.