You may find that all FTO's are doing it this way...just that FTE are the first to announce it.
The initial web based application is the same for all applicants irrespective of FTO as far as I can recall.
Maybe BA have decided to split the initial process so that people have to answer the multiple choice and essay questions under 'timed conditions' this year. Though again, that would seem to be at odds with the advice in previous years to "Take your time over the answers to the essay questions"
There was an extra step introduced into last years process so it'll be interesting to see how/if it differs this year...