Is that UK Cairo bilaterals OR Cairo -Manchester
It is a UK wide policy.
UK-rest of Egypt is unlimited, however Cairo is subject to bilaterals.
LHR-CAI has a permanent long standing agreement, but carriers have to apply to up frequency. Equipment type is allowed to be changed.
MAN-CAI runs on a temporary licence, that has to be applied for each season. Egyptair have applied for a long term licence, but Im not sure why its taking so long to grant.
On the subject of bilaterals:
Is it true that the bilateral with China was signed mid July?
It was due but not signed yet. Air China have spent their own money trying to get an addendum to add Manchester flights, but as yet has not been granted.