I do hope they retire the 747s by 2014. They are the noisiest planes at LHR. For whatever reason, the 4 RR motors that they use are just too loud for today's standards.
However, there has been speculation on here that the 747s might last even longer.
If they are going in 5 year's time, will they fit new seats to them?
As BA will only have less than 10 planes with new J seats by 2020, this process is not being undertaken with any speed!