LGW Vulture,
The real "timing" driver behind the present UK/US open sky discussion is the likelihood that the UK will shortly lose all ability to negotiate between itself and the US, or any other international party. Once (as expected sometime early 2002) the EU assumes the sole right to negotiate these types of treaties the UK is along for the ride.
Therefore, as far as the UK government, and AA and BA are concerned, the "best before date" is rapidly approaching. Beyond that, who knows (except for guv, maybe)?
This shelf life could expire as early as Jan 31st, 2002.