Long time listener, first time caller here.

I have a somewhat complicated question.

I recently booked IAD-LHR-SIN, HND-LHR-IAD with BA directly. The first half to Singapore is in first (A), the second half returning from Tokyo is in business (I). (SIN-HND is a separate award on JL).

I have associated the flights to my AA account, because I primarily fly on AA. I realize this trip alone would get me to silver on BA, but I would rather it count towards status on AA.

However, I also have an executive club account that has a few avios kicking around from a couple years ago. With my credit card rewards (Amex/Chase), I could transfer the 45,000 avios necessary to upgrade the return segments to first.

So is this possible? Can I transfer my credit card points to avios, upgrade this flight and still receive credit on AA? Is it practical? Should I just take BA silver instead of trying for EXP on AA?

P.S. Under manage my booking, it already says I would have to call them to upgrade, so I guess I'm looking for advice beforehand.