Originally Posted by
JimEddie
Whilst the 77Ws were part of the package for the delays to the 787, I believe that BA found them to be far more efficient and profitable than they had expected, hence the top up orders over the years which have slowly grown the fleet.
I remain a little surprised that BA doesn't seem to have done anything yet with the 777X. I know that they have a number of A35K and 787-10 on order but between them they aren't going to be able to replace all the 744s due to be retired and the early 777-200ERs (which are as old, or older than the 744s).
They've already stated publicly that the 777-200ERs will have a 30 year life in BA's fleet. Even the oldest will then not need replacing until 2027 so it isn't a bit surprising they haven't ordered replacements yet. As regards the 744s, the most recent retirement plan is in the wiki of this thread. All retirements already have planes on order as replacements except for the final 12 744s due to leave in 2023 or early 2024. As all the planes for this last batch need to be delivered and crews trained during 2023, BA really need either follow on orders for existing types (and IAG have options for 787s, A350s, and even A380s, but no 777X) or if a new type, all 12 to be deliverable in 2023. There's considerable doubt that Boeing could actually deliver 12 777X to this timescale, unless existing 777X customers cancel or defer their orders, as there aren't the uncommitted production slots.
It's also debatable whether they actually need something like a 777X to replace planes that by then will be confined to shuttling between London and the USA/Canada. If they do buy this series eventually, it is likely to be for routes that actually need both the range and capacity, not the rump routes of the declining 744 fleet.