Originally Posted by Piltdown Man
Too right, but if our negotiators are any good such restrictions will work both ways. If you want open skies then so do we.
The UK is not in the strongest position when it comes to those negotiations unfortunately. The remaining EU countries have less to lose by denying the UK an open skies agreement (and many other things) than the UK has by doing the same. Also, the EU is likely to take a tough stance on the UK "pour encourager les autres": there are separationists in other countries, albeit not on such a large scale as in the UK.
The decision has been made yesterday and as good democrats the Europeans have to accept it. Whatever may happen, I wish the UK all the best and, yes, good luck as well on their new solitary way.